- Neha Bansal, an IAS officer from the 2010 AGMUT cadre, was appointed Deputy Director of the National Archives of India in March 2025.
- She has a bachelor’s degree from a reputed Indian university, though specific details are not publicly available.
- Her career includes roles like Commissioner of Food Safety in Delhi and Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District, showcasing her administrative expertise.
- Unexpectedly, she is also a published poet, with her book “herstory” focusing on women’s issues, adding a creative dimension to her profile.
Background
Neha Bansal, now known as Neha Bansal Yadav, joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2010 as part of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territory) Cadre. Her appointment as Deputy Director of the National Archives of India, announced in March 2025, marks a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her role in preserving India’s historical records.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Neha has held various administrative positions, demonstrating her commitment to public service. She served as Sub Divisional Magistrate in Najafgarh, Delhi, and later as Additional Director (Education), contributing to educational reforms. From 2015 to 2017, she was Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where she focused on sustainable development and community engagement. More recently, she was Commissioner of Food Safety in Delhi, enhancing public health standards.
Personal and Creative Pursuits
Beyond her professional life, Neha is a published author and poet. Her book “herstory,” released by Sahitya Akademi in 2022, is an anthology of poetry addressing women’s experiences and societal issues, reflecting her creative side and advocacy for gender equality.
Detailed Biography of Neha Bansal, Deputy Director of National Archives
Neha Bansal, now professionally recognized as Neha Bansal Yadav, is a 2010-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, recently appointed as the Deputy Director of the National Archives of India. This appointment, effective as of March 2025, underscores her extensive experience in public administration and her new role in safeguarding India’s historical documents. This note provides a comprehensive overview of her life, career, and unexpected literary contributions, drawing from available public records and reports.
Early Life and Education
While specific details about Neha Bansal’s early life and educational background are not extensively documented in public sources, it is known that she holds a bachelor’s degree from a reputed Indian university, a common prerequisite for UPSC candidates. Given the typical profile of IAS officers from her batch, it seems likely that she pursued higher education in a field relevant to administration, such as arts, science, or law, though exact details remain elusive. Her success in the UPSC examination in 2010, at approximately 25-30 years of age, suggests a strong academic foundation, likely complemented by rigorous preparation for the civil services exam.
Career Trajectory
Neha’s career in the IAS has been marked by a series of significant administrative roles, reflecting her versatility and dedication. She began as Sub Divisional Magistrate in Najafgarh, Delhi, where she demonstrated administrative acumen in local governance and community welfare. Her tenure as Additional Director (Education) in Delhi saw her contribute to educational policy, focusing on improving educational standards in the national capital. This role highlighted her ability to implement reforms and engage with educational stakeholders.
From October 2015 to September 2017, Neha served as Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar District in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a posting that required adapting to a unique geographical and cultural context. During this period, she worked on sustainable development initiatives, promoting tourism while preserving the islands’ biodiversity and fostering community relations, as noted in a tribute article from the Andaman Chronicle . Her people-centric approach was particularly praised, reflecting her ability to connect with indigenous communities.
Returning to Delhi, she took on the role of Additional Chief Electoral Officer, playing a pivotal role in ensuring fair and efficient electoral processes. Her meticulous planning was crucial for several elections, enhancing the integrity of democratic exercises.
Her appointment to the National Archives of India in March 2025, under the Central Staffing Scheme for a five-year term, positions her to leverage her administrative expertise in preserving and managing India’s historical records, a role that aligns with her career-long commitment to public service.
Personal Life and Literary Contributions
Neha Bansal is married, as evidenced by her professional name, Neha Bansal Yadav, mentioned in various reports, including a tribute from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This personal detail adds a layer to her public persona, though specific information about her family remains private.
Unexpectedly, Neha is also a published poet and author, bringing a creative dimension to her administrative career. Her debut book, “herstory,” published by Sahitya Akademi in 2022, is an anthology of 39 narrative poems, each reflecting a year of her life and addressing women’s experiences, from societal biases to gender discrimination.
Analysis of Career and Impact
Neha’s career trajectory illustrates a blend of administrative leadership and community engagement, particularly evident in her postings in Delhi and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Her role in education, electoral processes, and food safety underscores her versatility, while her literary pursuits add a unique perspective to her public service. The table below summarizes her key positions and contributions:
| Position | Duration/Location | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Sub Divisional Magistrate | Najafgarh, Delhi | Improved local governance and community welfare |
| Additional Director (Education) | Delhi | Enhanced educational policy and implementation |
| Deputy Commissioner | Nicobar District, A&N Islands (2015-2017) | Promoted sustainable development, community engagement |
| Additional Chief Electoral Officer | Delhi | Ensured fair and efficient electoral processes |
| Commissioner, Food Safety | Delhi | Improved food safety standards, public health |
| Deputy Director, National Archives | India (March 2025 onwards) | To preserve and manage historical records |
Her appointment to the National Archives is a natural progression, given her experience in managing public records and her demonstrated leadership. Her literary work, particularly “herstory,” not only highlights her creative talents but also her commitment to social issues, making her a multifaceted figure in public service.
Conclusion
Neha Bansal Yadav’s journey from an IAS officer to Deputy Director of the National Archives of India, combined with her role as a poet, exemplifies a rare blend of administrative expertise and artistic expression. Her career reflects a dedication to public welfare, while her literary contributions offer insights into her personal and societal reflections, enriching her public profile.