Mumbai: In a historic first for the state bureaucracy, 2009 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Rajesh Gawande has been appointed as the Secretary for Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Diaspora Matters in the Maharashtra government. The appointment marks the first time a career diplomat has been posted to the Mantralaya — the state’s administrative nerve centre — in such a capacity.
Gawande’s appointment was confirmed through an official government notification on Thursday.
IFS officer Rajesh Gawande: From Passport Office to State Headquarters
Prior to this, Gawande was serving as the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Mumbai, where he was responsible for streamlining passport services and overseeing sensitive diplomatic documentation processes for one of India’s busiest passport zones.
His shift to the Maharashtra Secretariat underscores the government’s growing emphasis on international cooperation, investment facilitation, and diaspora engagement at the state level.
Strategic Move to Boost FDI and Global Ties
Officials said the creation of this post — and the decision to appoint an IFS officer to it — reflects Maharashtra’s ambition to strengthen foreign investment pipelines, manage high-level protocol arrangements for visiting dignitaries, and build deeper relationships with the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Given Gawande’s background in international relations and diplomatic assignments, the move is being seen as a strategic blend of diplomacy and state governance.
A First-of-its-Kind Posting
This is the first-ever deputation of an IFS officer to Mantralaya in such a role, typically held by IAS or senior state service officers. The appointment sets a precedent for greater integration of diplomatic expertise in domestic policy and administrative affairs, especially at a time when state-level diplomacy is gaining traction across India.
Previously Held by IFS officer Rajesh Gawande
IFS officer Rajesh Gawande, a 2009-batch diplomat hailing from Ahilyanagar district, has taken on a pioneering role in the Maharashtra government. Currently serving as the branch secretary for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Mumbai, Gawande has previously held diplomatic positions in Indian missions across Nairobi, Kampala, and Berlin.
In a first-of-its-kind appointment, Gawande has been named Chief Protocol Officer in the state government. In addition to this key position, he will also oversee two newly created portfolios—Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Diaspora Affairs. According to officials, these new responsibilities reflect Maharashtra’s strategic push to deepen its global engagement, streamline coordination with foreign delegations, attract international investment, and strengthen connections with the Indian diaspora.
The post was previously held by Mhaiskar, who served as Chief Protocol Officer for five years and eight months. In a farewell message shared on Facebook, Mhaiskar reflected on the experience:
“After 5 years and 8 months as Chief Protocol Officer, Government of Maharashtra, it is now time to pass on the baton. It has been an amazing journey and a humbling experience, representing Bharat and the shining diamond in her crown, Maharashtra. I have met remarkable people, extraordinary diplomats, and made a few good friends for life. I realized that at the heart of international relations—in both letter and spirit—is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I will always cherish my days in protocol, with fond memories and deep gratitude.”
