Breaking Barriers: Retired Himachal cadre IAS officer Upma Chawdhry becomes first woman to head the Metropolitan Stock Exchange

In a landmark moment for India’s financial and administrative landscape, retired IAS officer Upma Chawdhry has taken on a new and historic role as the Chairperson of the Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MSE). With this appointment, she becomes the first woman to head any Market Infrastructure Institution in the country—a milestone that reflects both her remarkable career and a shift toward greater representation in leadership.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), her elevation to the role marks yet another achievement in a journey defined by pioneering firsts and impactful public service.

Belonging to the 1983 batch of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Chawdhry’s career spans over three decades of dedicated service across diverse sectors—ranging from finance and rural development to education, tourism, and women empowerment. Known for her balanced approach to governance and reform, she has left a strong imprint across every position she has held.

In 2016, she broke new ground as the first woman Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, where India’s top civil servants are trained—a role that allowed her to shape the next generation of administrators.

Even beyond her work in India, Chawdhry has carried her experience onto the global stage. She has represented the country at important international forums like the World Trade Organisation and worked closely with United Nations agencies. Between 2018 and 2021, she served as a member of the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration and even chaired a key working group for the UN Public Service Award.

Her contributions have not been limited to government service alone. Over the years, she has also served on the boards of several prominent institutions and companies, playing a crucial role in strengthening governance and organisational practices.

For many, her appointment is more than an individual achievement—it’s an inspiring signal of how leadership spaces are opening up to diverse voices. With her experience and vision, expectations are high that she will guide the Metropolitan Stock Exchange into a new phase of growth and innovation.

From civil service corridors to the financial world, Upma Chawdhry’s journey continues to inspire—proving that leadership knows no boundaries when built on dedication, experience, and a willingness to break new ground.