Sujata Saunik has made history by becoming Maharashtra's first woman Chief Secretary (CS). Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the state's administrative history as she broke the 64-year-old pattern of male CS. She succeeded Nitin Kareer in Mantralaya as the 45th Chief Secretary of Maharashtra since its foundation in 1960 and is scheduled to retire in June next year.
Sujata is the senior IAS officer of the 1987 batch who was serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the home and general administration departments. On her appointment, Sujata mentions, "The significance of this moment is not lost on me. However, at this point, I would like to remember all the lady IAS officers who deserved the chief secretary's post but were not considered for various reasons. I am grateful for this opportunity and I will do my best."
Sujata, an IAS officer from Maharashtra cadre, has held significant positions, including ACS, Health and Family Welfare, and Urban Development Department. With over 30 years of policy and governance experience in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping, including assignments with the United Nations, she has been phenomenal. Her versatility and administrative acumen have been instrumental in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and improving governance, public health, and urban development in Maharashtra.
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