Mumbai: Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer of the 1987 batch, assumed office as Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary on Sunday, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold this esteemed position in the state’s 64-year history. Saunik succeeds Nitin Kareer, who retired from the role on the same day, and will serve a tenure until June next year, according to officials.
The formal transition of responsibilities took place during a ceremony held at Mantralaya, the state secretariat located in south Mumbai Sunday evening. Prior to her appointment as Chief Secretary, Saunik held the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the state’s Home Department.
With over three decades of distinguished service in public policy and governance, Saunik has garnered extensive experience in healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and international peacekeeping, both at the district, state, and federal levels, as part of her roles in the Indian Administrative Service and with the United Nations.
