In a landmark development for Uttar Pradesh’s education sector, Prof. Kirti Pandey has been named the inaugural chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Commission (UPESSC). This newly established body will oversee teacher appointments across all educational levels within the state. Prof. Pandey’s term will span five years, during which she will lead the commission from its base in Prayagraj.

The appointment of Prof. Pandey, who currently serves as the Dean of Arts at Deendayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University and is also the President of Vidya Bharati, follows a thorough search process. Although the position was initially intended for an IAS officer, the location of the commission’s headquarters in Prayagraj led to a preference among officers for roles in Lucknow or Noida. As a result, the government selected an esteemed educationist with significant academic experience and strong ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Prof. Pandey’s educational journey began at Pavanagar Mahavir Inter College in Fazil Nagar, Kushinagar district. She pursued her higher studies at Kushinagar College before conducting research at Gorakhpur University under the mentorship of Prof. S.P. Nagendra, a noted sociologist and former Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University. Her extensive career in academia and administration has significantly contributed to the development of the university.

The creation of the UPESSC and Prof. Pandey’s appointment are pivotal in modernizing the teacher recruitment process in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to establish a more transparent and efficient system. This move reflects the Yogi government’s dedication to advancing the state’s educational standards, with Prof. Pandey’s leadership anticipated to bring valuable insights and effective management to the commission.