Smitha Mol MS IAS appointed as Deputy Secretary – 8th CPC
Ms. Smitha Mol MS IAS (Tripura 2013) presently Deputy Secretary- Ministry of Civil Aviation has been appointed as Deputy Secretary – 8th CPC under the Department of Expenditure on ‘lateral shift’ basis on co-terminus basis with 8th CPC which is further extendable upto 14.04.2029 (i.e. balance period out of admissible tenure of four years under Central Staffing Scheme) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Ms. Smitha Mol, MS, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has built a distinguished career marked by administrative versatility, policy innovation, and a strong academic foundation. With a blend of scientific training, philosophical insight, and modern governance skills, she represents a new generation of civil servants shaping India’s public administration landscape.
Academically, Ms. Mol began her journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, where she secured a first-class distinction. Her grounding in healthcare provided her with a people-centric perspective that continues to inform her administrative decisions. She further broadened her intellectual horizons by earning a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, also with first-class honors. This academic pursuit enriched her analytical thinking and ethical approach to governance.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving administrative ecosystem, Ms. Mol has completed several prestigious certification courses. She undertook an Online Certificate Course in Digital Governance from the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, equipping her with insights into e-governance and public service delivery mechanisms. Additionally, she completed courses in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Harvard University and Economics from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. These programs have strengthened her understanding of economic policy, innovation, and global development trends.
Ms. Mol joined the IAS in 2013 and underwent her foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. Her early administrative career included roles such as Assistant Collector and Executive Magistrate in West Tripura and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in South Tripura. These formative assignments provided her with hands-on experience in land revenue management, law and order, and grassroots governance.
Her career trajectory demonstrates a steady rise through key administrative positions in the Tripura cadre. She served as Under Secretary in the Revenue Department and later held multiple leadership roles in the state’s Commerce and Industries sector. As Managing Director of various state-run corporations, including those focusing on handlooms, handicrafts, and sericulture, she played a crucial role in promoting local industries and boosting rural livelihoods. Her tenure as Director in the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship further highlighted her commitment to enhancing employment opportunities and capacity building.
Between 2020 and 2022, Ms. Mol served as District Collector and District Magistrate, where she was responsible for overall district administration, including law enforcement, development programs, and disaster management. Her leadership during this period was marked by efficient governance and citizen-centric initiatives.
Subsequently, she contributed to the Education Department in Tripura as Deputy Secretary and Director, focusing on human resource development and policy implementation. She also held the position of Director at the Department of Women and Child Development & Social Welfare, reflecting her dedication to inclusive governance and social welfare.
In March 2025, Ms. Mol assumed the role of Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in New Delhi. In this capacity, she is involved in policymaking and administrative functions related to India’s rapidly growing aviation sector, contributing to national connectivity and infrastructure development.
With over a decade of diverse administrative experience, Ms. Smitha Mol exemplifies professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to public service. Her multidisciplinary academic background, combined with her extensive field and policy experience, positions her as a dynamic leader in the Indian bureaucracy.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Ms. Smitha Mol MS the very best.