Ms. Sonal Goel, a distinguished officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the 2008 batch, exemplifies excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership in public administration. With over a decade of impactful service, she currently holds the position of Secretary, Government of Tripura, New Delhi, where her proactive approach to innovation, governance, and community development continues to set inspiring benchmarks.
Throughout her career, Ms. Goel has led a range of transformative initiatives focused on inclusive growth and public empowerment. Among her landmark efforts is the widely celebrated ‘Nandini’ campaign, which was recognized as a Best Practice by the Government of Tripura on Civil Services Day. As a committed officer of the Tripura cadre, her pathbreaking contributions have garnered national and international acclaim, including recognition by the United Nations, NITI Aayog, and MyGov, which named her among the ‘Top 25 Women Transforming India’ in 2016.
Key Recognitions and Awards:
- Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme Felicitation by the Department of Posts, Government of India under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative
- National MGNREGA Award from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
- SKOCH National SMART Governance Award
- Best BSUP City Award from the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
- SKOCH National Award for Solar City & Green City Projects
- District Red Cross Society Award for her work in child welfare and gender equality
- Outstanding Woman Administrator Award at the FMRT-ASMITA Women’s Leadership Conclave
Her relentless dedication and purposeful drive toward societal transformation continue to leave a lasting mark. Recognizing her influential role as a dynamic leader and catalyst for change on the global platform, she was conferred the prestigious ‘D-20 Leader of Influence and Changemaker Award’ at a prominent international conference held in Muscat, Oman.
Further amplifying this recognition, she was felicitated with the ‘Empowerment & Development Woman Award’ during the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations hosted by UNPKFC and co-hosted by UNA-USA in Bangkok, Thailand—an honour that underscores her steadfast commitment to promoting gender parity and inclusive governance, while also highlighting India’s rising voice in championing social equity at the global level.
Ms. Sonal Goel envisions a future where the fusion of technology and governance paves the way for efficient, transparent, and people-centric public services. Her consistent focus on sustainable progress, equitable development, and the strategic use of digital innovations to reform administrative frameworks continues to fuel meaningful impact.
As the Resident Commissioner, she served as a crucial conduit between the state of Tripura and the national capital, ensuring that the state’s aspirations were effectively championed and its developmental roadmap actively pursued. In her current profile as Secretary in the Government of Tripura, she continues to contribute to good governance and impactful policy execution.
