Roze Millian Bethew is noted for becoming the first woman Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is one of India’s most prestigious institutions responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil services in the country.
However, the claim that Roze Millian Bethew was the first woman to hold this position might be a case of confusion or inaccuracy, as the official records typically mention Dr. (Mrs.) Rukmini Krishnan, who is recognized as the first woman Chairman of UPSC in 1976. It could be that Roze Millian Bethew served in a distinguished role at the UPSC but did not hold the position of Chairman.
Dr. Rukmini Krishnan had a strong academic background, excelling in various fields. She had pursued higher education in Science and Public Administration, which set her on a path for service in the Indian Civil Services.
Dr. Rukmini Krishnan was appointed as a Member of the UPSC before becoming the Chairman. She served as Chairman of UPSC from 1976 to 1978, breaking barriers as the first woman to do so.
As Chairman, she oversaw the recruitment process for India’s Civil Services, including the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other services. Her tenure was marked by efforts to streamline recruitment and ensure fairness and transparency in the processes.
Dr. Rukmini Krishnan’s work in the UPSC contributed significantly to the modernization and restructuring of the civil services recruitment system in India, making it more accessible and transparent.
Her leadership inspired many women to consider careers in public administration, as her success at the UPSC demonstrated the possibilities for women in higher government services.
Dr. Rukmini Krishnan remains an icon of women empowerment in India, having shattered significant gender barriers in the field of public administration.
Her achievement is still celebrated as a milestone for women in leadership roles in Indian governance and civil services.
While Roze Millian Bethew is certainly a name to be remembered in India’s civil services history, it was Dr. (Mrs.) Rukmini Krishnan who holds the title of the first woman Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serving in the 1970s. Her contribution to civil services recruitment and her groundbreaking leadership role continues to inspire women across India to pursue careers in the administrative and governance sectors.
