Sonali Giri, IAS: Profile, Husband and Family

Sonali Giri, IAS - A Biographical and Personal Profile

Personal Profile:

• Full Name: Sonali Giri
• Date of Birth: Not publicly specified, but born in the late 1970s or early 1980s
• Place of Birth: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Profession: Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer
• Education:
  • Completed her schooling in Lucknow.
  • Graduated from the University of Lucknow.
  • Later moved to Delhi for preparation of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Family Details:

Sonali Giri is married to Vipul Ujjwal, who is also an IAS officer. Both belong to the Punjab cadre. They have developed a reputation for being a dynamic duo in the administrative services, often working together on projects that benefit public welfare. Details regarding children or extended family are not extensively documented in public records.

Career:

• IAS Journey: Sonali Giri became an IAS officer in the 2009 batch of the Punjab cadre. She has served in various capacities, demonstrating her administrative acumen across different fields.
• Notable Roles:
  • She was the first Municipal Commissioner of Amritsar, where she was known for her initiatives in making the city cleaner and more citizen-friendly.
  • She has also served as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Bhatinda and Faridkot, where she was noted for her practical approach and quick decision-making.
  • Appointed as CEO of Punjab Energy Development Agency in 2024, reflecting her move into energy sector management.
  • She was also Director of Information and Public Relations, Civil Aviation, and Hospitality in Punjab in 2022.

Recent News and Controversies:

• Recent News:
  • In August 2024, she was highlighted in the media for her role in initiating a mobile app to help find clean public toilets, which aligns with the Swachh Bharat Campaign.
  • She has been recognized for her efforts in curbing corruption and improving administrative efficiency in various roles throughout her career.
• Controversies:
  • There's no significant controversy directly linked to her; however, during her tenure as the Municipal Commissioner of Amritsar, she was briefly in the spotlight when some politicians attempted to blame her for a train accident during a festival. She was later exonerated from any blame.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sonali Giri:

1. First Woman Commissioner: She holds the distinction of being the first woman Municipal Commissioner of Amritsar, bringing notable changes to the city's administration.
2. Tech-Savvy Administrator: Together with her husband, she developed apps like the voter education app and a toilet locator app, showcasing her interest in leveraging technology for public service.
3. Citizen-Friendly Initiatives: Her tenure in Amritsar was marked by efforts to make municipal services more accessible and transparent to citizens.
4. Anti-Corruption Drive: She is known for her strong stance against corruption, particularly during her time in Amritsar where she tackled issues like project delays and financial mismanagement.
5. Environmental Focus: Her involvement in the Swachh Bharat campaign through innovative solutions like the toilet locator app shows her commitment to environmental cleanliness.
6. Educational Background: Her educational journey from Lucknow to Delhi for civil services preparation speaks to her dedication to public service.
7. Diverse Roles: From local governance to energy management, her career reflects a broad spectrum of administrative responsibilities.
8. Public Recognition: She has been in the news for positive reasons, often celebrated for her administrative reforms and public welfare initiatives.
9. Media Coverage: Her work has been covered by local and national media, especially during her significant posts like in Amritsar.

   
   

   
10. Dynamic Duo: Her partnership with her husband, Vipul Ujjwal, in both life and work, has led to innovative administrative projects, showcasing a collaborative approach in governance.

Sonali Giri's career exemplifies how dedication, innovation, and integrity can lead to impactful changes in public administration, particularly in a cadre known for its challenging assignments.