Incredible victory of Indian women power in UN: Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to INCB

Vienna, May 8: A remarkable victory of Indian member shows a record of winning crucial elections at the United Nations. India's Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another term. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held elections by secret ballot yesterday, with 15 candidates in the fray for five seats. After the first round of voting, Pavadia emerged at the top, getting the highest number of votes at 44, followed by Jallal Toufiq of Morocco with 32 votes and Cesar Tomas Arce Rivas of Paraguay with 31 votes.

There were 54 members present and voting and the required majority to win the election was 28.

“India’s Jagjit Pavadia tops International Narcotics Control Board Election,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted after the election results were announced.

“We are deeply grateful to all India’s many friends who ensured such a huge win in a very competitive election,” he said.

Pavadia has been re-elected for a five-year term beginning on March 2, 2020, and expiring on March 1, 2025.

Born in 1954, Pavadia completed her LL.B from Delhi University in 1988 and holds a Master's Diploma in Public Administration from the Indian Institute of Public Administration. Jagjit held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years in the Government of India. She is a recipient of Presidential Appreciation Certificate for Specially Distinguished Record of Service on the occasion of Republic Day in 2005.

She is serving as a Member of the International Narcotics Control Board (since 2015). Second Vice-President and Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates (2015 and 2017). Member of the Committee on Finance and Administration (2016-2017). First Vice-President of the Board (2016). Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates (2018).