A historic moment unfolded in Maharashtra on Sunday as Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer, assumed the role of Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the state’s 64-year history. Saunik, a member of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service, succeeds Nitin Kareer, who retired from the post on the same day. Her tenure as Chief Secretary is set to last for a year, leading up to her own retirement in June 2024.
The handover ceremony took place at Mantralaya, the state secretariat in south Mumbai, with Kareer formally passing the charge to Saunik. Prior to her elevation as Chief Secretary, Saunik, whose husband Manoj Saunik is also a former state chief secretary, served as the additional chief secretary in the state home department.
Saunik brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated three decades to public policy and governance. Her expertise spans diverse fields including healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping. Her experience encompasses work at the district, state, and federal levels, as well as contributions to international organizations through her service in the Indian Administrative Service and the United Nations.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s political landscape, highlighting the increasing prominence of women in leadership positions. Saunik’s expertise and experience are expected to play a crucial role in steering the state’s administration during her tenure.
