Big Breaking: 1987 batch IAS Sujata Saunik takes over as first woman chief secretary of Maharashtra
Mumbai, June 30, 2024: Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 batch, has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. She took over the role on Sunday, succeeding Nitin Kareer, who retired on the same day. Saunik will serve as Chief Secretary for a year before her retirement in June next year.
Mrs Sujata is the daughter of former Punjab IAS and State Election Commissioner late CD Cheema. She completed her school and college education in Chandigarh. CD Cheema's home district was Hoshiarpur.
Before her promotion, Saunik was the Additional Chief Secretary in the state's Home Department. She brings over three decades of experience in public policy and governance, with expertise spanning healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping. Her distinguished career includes roles at the district, state, and federal levels, as well as positions with international organizations like the United Nations. Saunik's husband, Manoj Saunik, is also a former Chief Secretary of the state.