senior IAS officer Smti Prabhati Thaosen was formally sworn in as a Member of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) on June 17, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan in Guwahati. In the presence of Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and other senior officials.
Swearing-in Ceremony Held at Raj Bhavan
The appointment of Prabhati Thaosen has been welcomed across administrative and political circles. As per the official notification, her induction into the APSC is expected to boost transparency. Also, efficiency, and inclusivity in Assam’s public service recruitment system.
The Governor administered the oath of office and secrecy. Speaking at the ceremony, Kataria expressed confidence in Thaosen’s capabilities. Further, said her experience will bring “fresh perspective and discipline” to the commission’s functioning.
Administrative Experience Behind the Appointment
Thaosen has had a long and distinguished career in the Indian Administrative Service. A 1993-batch officer, she has served in various departments across Assam. Also, including social welfare, women and child development, home, and revenue.
Colleagues from the state bureaucracy noted her “integrity, decisiveness, and administrative acumen” as standout traits. Her elevation to APSC is seen as a natural progression of her commitment to public service and reform-driven governance.
Her appointment aligns with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s stated vision to streamline recruitment processes and ensure merit-based selections in the state’s bureaucracy.
Role and Importance of APSC
The Assam Public Service Commission plays a critical role in selecting candidates for civil services and other government positions in the state. It ensures that the recruitment process adheres to constitutional mandates and is based on transparency and merit.
With several major recruitment drives lined up in 2025–26, Thaosen’s inclusion in the APSC comes at a crucial time. Officials suggest that her past experience in administrative reforms could guide the commission in adopting tech-driven solutions for faster and more accountable hiring.
State Government’s Focus on Institutional Strengthening
Chief Minister Sarma has repeatedly underlined the importance of institutional integrity in bodies like the APSC. Perhaps, the government has been pushing for digitisation, e-governance reforms, and quicker disposal of recruitment cases.
In line with this agenda, the appointment of someone like Thaosen—who has previously piloted successful e-governance projects—is being viewed as a strategic move to modernise Assam’s recruitment systems.
The Chief Minister congratulated Thaosen on her appointment and said he looked forward to her contributing towards a more robust and transparent APSC. Moreover, he added that this step aligns with Assam’s broader goal of transforming public institutions to match the expectations of a new generation of aspirants.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
Opposition leaders welcomed the appointment but urged the government to ensure that the APSC remains “apolitical and insulated from undue pressures.” Furthermore, several civil society organisations also praised the inclusion of a woman bureaucrat with a clean track record.
Social media platforms saw a wave of congratulatory messages. Many users praised the government’s focus on appointing competent individuals to key posts rather than relying on political patronage.
A New Chapter in APSC’s Evolution
As Assam gears up to fill several high-level administrative, technical, and academic roles in coming months, Prabhati Thaosen’s role will be central. Additionally, from framing recruitment guidelines to overseeing examinations and interviews. Because, her decisions will impact thousands of job seekers.
The APSC is also expected to coordinate with national bodies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on best practices. Although, Thaosen’s wide administrative exposure is expected to foster such synergies.
Stay updated with Assam Government news and follow APSC announcements for the latest updates on recruitment and administrative reforms.
