Mumbai, July 1: In a historic move, IAS officer Sujata Saunik was appointed the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, becoming the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post. Saunik, an officer from the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), succeeds Dr. Nitin Kareer, who retired recently. Before this, she served as the Additional Chief Secretary, overseeing the General Administration Department and Home Affairs.

Interestingly, Dr Kareer had taken over the role of Manoj Saunik, Sujata Saunik’s husband, who is currently the Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister. This marks the first time in Maharashtra’s history that the two highest civil service positions are held by women, with Rashmi Shukla serving as the Director General of Police. Sujata Saunik Takes Over As First Woman Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Replaces Nitin Kareer (See Pics and Video).

Who Is Sujata Saunik?

Saunik, who has three decades of experience in public policy and governance, has previously held significant roles in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and international organisations. She is a Takemi Fellow from Harvard University’s School of Public Health and has served in various capacities, including with the United Nations in Kosovo and Cambodia. Maharashtra Budget 2024: Finance Minister Ajit Pawar Announces 'Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' Scheme To Guarantee Rs 1500 to Women, To Be Implemented From July.

Sujata Saunik’s appointment aligns with the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Maha Yuti’s mission to empower women, a commitment also reflected in the recent state budget. The other contenders for the Chief Secretary position were Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Rajesh Kumar Meena and Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Minister’s Office) Dr Iqbal Singh Chahal. Saunik’s extensive experience and dedication to public service ultimately secured her the role.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2024 11:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).