Sujata Saunik Becomes Maharashtra’s First Female Chief Secretary
On Sunday, Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer of the 1987 batch, etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary. In the state’s 64-year history, this landmark appointment saw her take over from the retiring Nitin Kareer.
According to officials, their tenure as Chief Secretary will last one year and conclude with her retirement in June next year. The official handover ceremony occurred at Mantralaya, the state secretariat in south Mumbai, where Kareer passed on the responsibility to Saunik.
Before she was appointed Chief Secretary, Saunik served as the Additional Chief Secretary in the state home department. Her husband, Manoj Saunik, is also a former Chief Secretary of the state.
With over three decades of experience in public policy and governance, Saunik has worked extensively in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping. Her career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has also allowed her to contribute to international organizations like the United Nations, demonstrating her commitment to service at various levels, from district to federal.
Saunik’s appointment as Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary is not just a milestone for gender representation in administrative leadership but also a testament to her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to public service throughout her distinguished career.
