Ms. Parveen Talha

Educated at Loreto Convent High School/ College, Lucknow. Did M.A. in Economics in First Division from Lucknow University. Taught in the Lucknow University from 1965 to1969. Joined the Indian Revenue Service in 1969 and became the first ever Muslim woman to enter any Class-I Civil Service through the Civil Services examination. Held important posts in the Bombay, Kolkata and Central Excise Commissionerates. Was the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh. Remains till now the only woman officer to have worked in Central Bureau of Narcotics. Was competent authority from 1990- 1997 to attach Property of Smugglers and Drug Traffickers.

As Director General of Training, raised the National Academy of Custom Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) to an International status by helping it become World Custom Organisation’s (WCO’s) Training Institute for the Asia-Pacific Region. Introduced the Custom Department to their role in controlling the smuggling of Ozone Depleting Substances by introducing training programmes for Indian Customs Officers.

By signing an MOU with United Nations Environment Programme, helped NACEN become the only Training Academy in the ASIA PACIFIC Region to train Custom Officers of this region to control smuggling of Ozone Depleting Substances and other Environmental Crimes.

Won the President’s award in 2000 for specially distinguished record of service. At the time of Deemed Retirement was the senior most woman officer in the Department of Custom & Central Excise.

First I.R.S. Officer to be appointed Member of UPSC and first ever Muslim Woman to be a Member of UPSC from September 30, 2004. Demitted office on October 3, 2009.