Ghaziabad: SDM Saumya Pandey Rejoins Work 14 Days After Giving Birth

In an exemplary display of women’s strength and dedication towards duty, Saumya Pandey, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Modinagar, rejoined work merely a fortnight after giving birth. Pandey was appointed as the nodal officer for COVID-19 in Ghaziabad in July 2020. Her newborn daughter accompanied her to the office as she resumed her administrative duties.

What You Should Know: 

• Saumya Pandey, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Modinagar, rejoined work merely a fortnight after giving birth. 
• Pandey was appointed as the nodal officer for COVID-19 in Ghaziabad in July 2020. During the Coronavirus crisis, she did not want to desert her duties and rejoined work as soon as possible. 
• Pandey said that she received immense support from her family, colleagues and staff members. 
• She admitted that she hasn't had a chance to name her newborn daughter yet. 

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Modinagar SDM Rejoins Work 14 Days After Giving Birth

Saumya Pandey spoke to ANI about her decision to rejoin work so soon: “I am an IAS officer so I have to look after my service. Due to Covid-19, there is responsibility on all.” Pandey went on to say that she believes that God has given women the strength to give birth to and care for their children. She highlighted that rural Indian women continue to do both household and paid work before as well as after giving birth. “Similarly, it is the blessing of God that I’m able to do my administrative work with my three-week-old girl child,” Pandey added.

Talking about the support she received from her family and colleagues, she said, “My family has supported me a lot in this. My whole Tehsil and Ghaziabad district administration which is like a family to me gave me support during the pregnancy and post-delivery. District Magistrate and administration’s staff supported me throughout my pregnancy period as well as after my delivery.” Pandey also highlighted upon the need for pregnant women to take all necessary precautions while working during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read: What It’s Like To Be Pregnant In The Coronavirus Pandemic

“I Haven’t Even Had The Time To Decide A Name For Her”

As per The Indian Express, 26-year-old Pandey secured an all-India rank of four in the 2016 UPSC exams. She was also a gold-medallist during her civil services training period.  Pandey was appointed as Ghaziabad’s nodal officer for COVID-19 from July to September 2020. In September, she took a 22-day long leave for her operation. Consequently, she rejoined work on October 1, two weeks after the birth of her daughter.

Pandey admitted that her newborn daughter’s routine is slowly becoming a part of her own. “I try and feed her in the morning so she can sleep inside but babies this young have an odd pattern. So I keep shuttling between the office outside and the camp office so I can work with her." She admitted that she hasn't had a chance to name her newborn daughter yet.

Also Read: Mothers Investing More Time To Homeschool Children Than Fathers: UK Survey

Picture Credits: The Indian Express

Tarini Gandhiok is an intern with SheThePeople.TV