Maharashtra gets first woman chief secretary

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Sunday appointed Sujata Saunik (1987 batch) as chief secretary. Saunik will be the first woman to hold the post of Chief Secretary of State.

Sujata Saunik took over as chief secretary from outgoing state secretary Nitin Karir on Sunday evening. She was previously serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Home).

It is worth noting that Rashmi Shukla is currently heading the Maharashtra Police Department, which is an important milestone as both the posts of Chief Secretary and Chief of State Police are women.

Besides Saunik, Additional Chief Secretaries to the Revenue Department Rajesh Kumar (1987 batch) and Additional Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Iqbal Chahal (1989 batch) were the other two candidates for the post of Chief Secretary. However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis unanimously appointed Sujata Saunik as the state’s Chief Secretary.

The state government has launched several women-oriented programmes through the Women and Child Development Department, such as ‘Ladali Bahena’. These initiatives are aimed at sending a strong message to women voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, underlining the government’s commitment to women’s welfare through its policies.

Sujata Saunik, known for her practical approach, has had an illustrious career in public service. She was previously serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the State Home Department and was recently promoted to the post of Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training. Saunik has held significant positions in various departments, including the Department of General Administration and Public Health.

With three decades of experience in public policy and management, Saunik has experience in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management and peacekeeping. Her career spans district, state and federal levels, as well as international organizations through the Indian Administrative Service and the United Nations.

Known for her hands-on approach, Sujata Saunik was earlier an Additional Chief Secretary in the Home Department. She was recently promoted to the post of Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training. Saunik has also previously held important positions like Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of General Administration and several other departments, including Public Health.

Her experience includes roles in the Indian Administrative Service and the United Nations, spanning district, state, federal and international assignments. With three decades of experience in public policy and management, Saunik has expertise in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management and peacekeeping.

Sujata Saunik’s husband, Manoj Saunik, is the chief advisor to the Prime Minister.