Poonam Malakondiah is a distinguished Retired IAS officer from the 1988 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Born on 1 July 1964, she is currently 60 years old. Poonam Currently Live in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, but her home state is Uttar Pradesh. Her last posting was as the Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. She is retire on 30 June 2024.
Quick Info Of Poonam Malakondiah IAS
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Officer Name | Poonam Malakondiah |
| Profession | Retired IAS Officer |
| Date of Birth | 01 July 1964 |
| Age | 60 years (as of 2024) |
| Home State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Native Place | Small Village Of Andhra Pradesh |
| Current Address | Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh |
| Husband | Dr. M. Malakondaiah (Retired IPS Officer, DGP of Andhra Pradesh) |
| Children | 2 (Son: Shridhar, Daughter: Pallavi) |
| Daughter-in-law | Ahalya |
| Educational Qualification | M.Sc. in Microbiology, Gold Medalist |
| Batch | 1988 |
| Cadre | Andhra Pradesh |
| Date of IAS Joining | 25 August 1988 |
| Retirement Date | 30 June 2024 |
Early Life and Education
Born on 1 July 1964, Poonam Malakondiah hails from Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh. She comes from a family deeply committed to public service. Her maternal grandfather, known as the “Tiger of Bundelkhand,” was a police officer renowned for his bravery. Her father was the first generation in their family to become literate and went on to become a scientist. She credits her parents and grandparents for instilling in her a strong sense of duty toward the nation and its people.
Educational Journey
Poonam Malakondiah was a bright student throughout her school years. She aspired to become a doctor but could not secure a medical seat despite being a topper in academics and co-curricular activities. Instead, she pursued a degree in Microbiology, winning a gold medal for her achievements.
She continued her education with scholarships, earning fellowships from ICAR and IARI, and became a research scholar in the field of microbiology. Her research work focused on environmental sustainability, specifically biofertilizers and their impact on agriculture. Her ultimate goal was to contribute to the preservation of the environment, an idea that was heavily inspired by her mother.
Family Life
Poonam Malakondiah is married to Dr. M. Malakondaiah, a retired IPS officer who served as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Andhra Pradesh. Together, they have two children, Shridhar and Pallavi. Her daughter is pursuing medicine at Osmania University, while her son is studying law at NALSAR University of Law.
UPSC Journey
Poonam Malakondiah’s journey through the UPSC examination reflects her resilience and dedication to public service. She joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1988, following her rigorous preparation and determination to make a difference. With a strong academic background in Microbiology, having earned a gold medal for her M.Sc. from the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, she pursued the UPSC exam with a focus on serving the community.
Throughout her career, Poonam has held various key positions, including District Collector and Head of Departments in agriculture, civil supplies, and health. Her commitment to excellence was recognized when she received the SKOCH Public Service Award in 2022 and was honored by the Prime Minister for her contributions to women’s literacy.
Despite the challenges she faced along the way, including a setback in her initial career aspirations to become a doctor, Poonam’s resolve led her to a successful and impactful career in the IAS, where she continues to serve the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Key Positions Held:
- District Collector in various districts.
- Head of Department (HoD) in Agriculture, Civil Supplies, Panchayat Raj & Rural Development, and Health & Family Welfare.
- Chief Commissioner (RBKs) & Special Chief Secretary to Government (Agriculture & Co-Op Department).
- Last Posting: Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Awards and Recognition
- Akshara Deeksha Award: She received this prestigious award from the Prime Minister for her exemplary work in the women’s literacy program.
- SKOCH Public Service Award (2022): Poonam Malakondiah was honored for her outstanding contribution to public service.
Challenges and Controversies
In her illustrious career, Poonam Malakondiah has also faced challenges. She was issued notices by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in a case related to alleged irregularities in the formation of the AP MedTech Zone at Visakhapatnam and the misappropriation of National Health Mission funds. The case was part of a public interest litigation.
