Sujata Saunik Makes History as Maharashtra’s First Woman Chief Secretary
Reported by Amit Singh
Mumbai, 30 June 2024: Sujata Saunik has made history in Maharashtra’s bureaucratic landscape by assuming office as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s 64-year history, succeeding Nitin Kareer, who retired on Sunday.
Saunik, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1987 batch, brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in public policy and governance. Her diverse expertise encompasses crucial sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and international peacekeeping roles.
Prior to her current role, Saunik served as the Additional Chief Secretary in the state’s Home Department. Her tenure as head of Financial Reforms in Maharashtra underscored her pivotal role in shaping key state policies, including monetary policy on state-sponsored guarantees, fiscal health enhancement, and debt management under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
Her leadership within the Department of Health, Government of Maharashtra, was marked by innovative initiatives focused on maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Her efforts culminated in the formulation of Maharashtra’s first comprehensive policy on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition, aimed at improving healthcare outcomes across demographics.
Saunik’s international assignments include a notable stint as Municipal Administrator in Kosovo, where she led reconstruction efforts following the conflict in the Balkans. Her role in Cambodia, assisting with voter registration and facilitating democratic elections, underscores her commitment to global peacekeeping and governance.
Educationally, Saunik completed her early schooling, college, and university education in Chandigarh. She was awarded a gold medal for topping Punjab University in her Master’s in History, demonstrating academic excellence alongside her administrative achievements.
