Who is Sujata Saunik: Maharashtra's First Woman Chief Secretary Inspiring Journey

Renowned IAS officer Sujata Saunik has made ‘her-story’ by becoming Maharashtra’s first woman chief secretary. Keep reading to learn more about her inspiring journey.

maharashtra's first woman chief secretary sujata sainik

Renowned IAS officer Sujata Saunik has made ‘her-story’ by becoming Maharashtra’s first woman chief secretary. With a career spanning over thirty years and extensive experience in public policy and governance, she is an exceptional choice for this prestigious position. Keep reading to learn more about her inspiring journey.

Who Is Sujata Saunik?

Sujata Saunik, a 1987-batchIAS officer, holds a distinguished career of over thirty years in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She pursued studies at Harvard University's School of Public Health as a Takemi Fellow. Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping, at international, district, state, and federal levels.

Saunik has held key positions such as Executive Director of the Central Social Welfare Board, Joint Secretary, and Advisor to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with roles in the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Her achievements extend internationally, serving as a civil affairs officer and municipal administrator with the UN Mission in Kosovo, and as an election monitor and civil affairs officer in Cambodia. (SOURCE: Jagran Josh)

Sujata Saunik's Inspiring Life Journey

For the first time in 64 years, IAS officer Sujata Saunik made history by becoming Maharashtra's first woman Chief Secretary. Saunik succeeded Nitin Kareer, the former Chief Secretary, who retired on Sunday. According to several media reports, she is set to serve a full term in her role, before retiring in June 2025.

In the state headquarters of South Mumbai at Mantralaya, the handover ceremony took place on Monday night. During the ceremony, former Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer officially passed on the responsibilities to Sujata Saunik. Before becoming the Chief Secretary, Saunik was the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Home Department. It is noteworthy that her husband, Manoj Saunik, is also a former state chief secretary.

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Maharashtra Leads The Way In Gender Equality In Politics

Although Sujata Saunik's candidature for Chief Secretary had been passed over twice before, her current appointment places her among the nation's most senior bureaucrats.

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Notably, Maharashtra is setting a precedent in gender equality in politics, with two of the highest civil service positions held by women—Sujata Saunik as Chief Secretary and Rashmi Shukla as Director General of Police. This marks a significant stride towards gender parity and leadership diversity in the state's administrative roles.

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