Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1990 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (since mid-2024)
Additional Charge: Temporarily held additional charge as Secretary, Department of Fisheries (June–July 2025)
🎓 Education & Background
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya is a senior civil servant with extensive experience in public administration and infrastructure development. Prior to her current role, she served as the Chairperson of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), where she was recognized for promoting project transparency, digital monitoring, and timely project execution.
🏛️ Administrative Career
Throughout her career, Ms. Upadhyaya has held various leadership roles at both the state and central levels. She is known for her administrative efficiency, policy execution skills, and commitment to institutional reform.
📌 Key Initiatives as Secretary (Animal Husbandry & Dairying)
- FMD-Free Zones: She has led the initiative to create foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)–free zones in eight states, aimed at improving animal health and enabling export opportunities for Indian livestock products.
- National Disease Prioritization: Oversaw a collaborative workshop that prioritized 20 major animal diseases and developed a strategic plan focusing on surveillance, prevention, and vaccination.
- One Health & Zoonotic Awareness: Launched national awareness programs emphasizing the One Health approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
- Productivity & Fodder Development: Advocated for integrated strategies with agricultural and veterinary institutions to improve livestock productivity, fodder availability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices.
📝 Summary
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya brings a strategic and science-driven approach to her role as Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Her leadership focuses on animal health, sustainable livestock management, disease control, and enhanced rural livelihoods. She continues to be a key figure in driving reforms and initiatives within India’s livestock and dairy sectors.