Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1991 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (since 31 August 2023)
Additional Charge: Chairperson, National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), Cabinet Secretariat (July 2024)
🎓 Education & Early Career
Ms. Verma joined the IAS in 1991 and began her career in administrative roles at the district and state levels. She later served in the Department of Defence as Special Secretary.
🏛️ Central Government Appointments
- Officer on Special Duty, Chemicals & Petrochemicals – Appointed on 1 August 2023 with the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India; took over full duties on 31 August 2023.
- Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals – Serving since 31 August 2023, overseeing policy, regulation, sustainability, and promotion of the chemicals and petrochemicals sector.
- Chairperson, NACWC – Given additional responsibility in July 2024 to lead India’s implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (through late July 2024).
🎯 Major Responsibilities
As Secretary, she:
- Directs policy and regulatory frameworks for chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, dyes, pesticides, and related industries.
- Champions sustainability, safety, and global competitiveness in the sector.
- Engages with industry stakeholders through platforms like the Indian Chemical Council and ICC awards.
- Oversees implementation of India’s obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention while leading NACWC as chairperson.
📝 Summary
Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma is a senior bureaucrat with expertise across defense and industrial policy. Since August 2023, she has guided India’s chemicals and petrochemicals strategy toward sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration—while also handling India’s chemical-weapons compliance.