Who was Nirmala Buch, first woman CS of Madhya Pradesh; CMs of Gujarat and MP used to take advice from her

Nirmala Buch, the first woman Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, passed away Saturday night. There is a wave of mourning in the administrative and social circles. Nirmala Buch has held the responsibility of the first woman Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh from 22 September 1991 to 1 January 1993. 

Looking at her efficiency as well as potential, the then Gujarat CM Shankersingh Baghela appointed Nirmala Buch as an advisor to his government in 1996. Along with this, the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Uma Bharti also made her advisor.

The model prepared by Nirmala Buch for the development of the state while holding several administrative posts is relevant even today. Mrs. Buch was an advisor in the Planning Commission of the Government of India in 1988-89. 

In the year 1993, as a secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, she managed the development projects smoothly. From 1978 to 1981, she was the head of the National Women's Committee for women. As Principal Secretary, she prepared the outline of Panchayati Raj in Madhya Pradesh Rural Development, which was the first step towards economic and social empowerment of women.  From the year 1997 to 2000, while holding the post of Vice-Chairperson of the National Environment Appellate Authority of the Government of India, she had prepared the draft of clean environment.

She was also the head of the Rehabilitation Monitoring Committee of Maheshwar Hydroelectric Project under the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Always opposed injustice to women

Nirmala Buch was born on 11 October 1925 in Khurja district of UP. She always opposed the injustice done to women. Nirmala Buch graduated from Kashi Hindu University in 1955 with English Literature, Psychology and Philosophy as a subject and also obtained a master's degree in English Literature from the same university in the year 1957. Knowledge seeker Nirmala was awarded a fellowship by Princeton University for the study of MPA program during 1969 to 1970. Studious Nirmala Buch did a two-year diploma in the years 1957 and 1959 not only in German but also in French.

Nirmala Buch got training from Masoori in 1960 when she was selected in IAS. Her first posting was in 1961 in Jabalpur. Where she played the role of mentor and guide to innumerable women. Considering herself as a role model, Nirmala Buch took the initiative to free women from mental slavery and make them self-reliant. 

Established Mahila Chetna Manch 

She also established Mahila Chetna Manch with the aim of awakening consciousness among women. She was always striving for the economic independence of women employees and for the care of their children. From 1961 to 1993, she discharged the responsibility of administration and management of various departments of Madhya Pradesh and Government of India. When Nirmala Buch was the collector in Dewas. Then she was impressed by the talented personality of Ujjain Collector MN Buch. Later both got married. They also have a son.