Sujata Saunik, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1987 batch, has made history by becoming Maharashtra’s first woman Chief Secretary. She officially assumed the role following the retirement of Nitin Kareer, who served as the Chief Secretary until Sunday.
Saunik, who previously held the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the state home department, brings over three decades of experience in public policy and governance. Her diverse career spans crucial areas such as healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and international peacekeeping, including roles at district, state, federal levels, and with international organizations like the United Nations.
Her elevation marks a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s administrative history, breaking a 64-year-old tradition of male Chief Secretaries. Saunik’s appointment was marked by a formal ceremony at Mantralaya, the state secretariat located in south Mumbai, where Nitin Kareer handed over the charge on Monday evening.
Sources By Agencies
