Historic Moment: Dr. Anju Rathi Rana appointed as India’s First Woman Union Law Secretary

In a historic move for gender equality and professional growth in India, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, an Indian Legal Services officer, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Law and Justice, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position.

Dr. Rana, an officer of the Indian Legal Services, has earlier served as Additional Secretary in the same department. Her promotion to Secretary is not only a personal achievement, but also a historic moment for the Indian legal system. According to an official announcement issued on March 5 by the Cabinet’s Appointments Committee, her term in this key job would last two years from the date she takes up her duties, subject to extension or subsequent directives.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, ILS, Additional Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs to the post of Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, initially for a period of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” according to the notification.

Dr. Rana’s appointment to this position is a key indicator of the changing picture of Indian governance, in which more women are recognised for their leadership talents and entrusted with jobs that define the country’s legal system. This appointment not only celebrates the breaking of a glass ceiling, but also highlights India’s progressive efforts to promote inclusive and diverse leadership in its highest governmental offices.