In Maharashtra’s new political regime, two senior women officers will maintain their pivotal positions. Ms. Sujata Saunik, a 1987 batch IAS officer, has served as the Chief Secretary since July 2024, while Ms. Rashmi Shukla, recently reinstated as Director General of Police (DGP) after being removed by the Election Commission, originally assumed the role in January 2024. If all proceeds smoothly, both appointees from the Shinde Shiv Sena Government are expected to continue their roles under the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik:
IAS Sujata Saunik’s appointment, unanimously endorsed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in July, marked a pivotal moment ahead of the state’s Assembly elections. It coincided with the government’s launch of the Fourth Women Policy, underscoring a commitment to women’s empowerment.
She originally belonged to Haryana and was a Takemi Fellow at the School of Public Health, Harvard University. Ms. Saunik served six years in Yugoslavia and one year in Cambodia as a United Nations representative. Before her tenure as Chief Secretary, her husband, Mr. Manoj Saunik, also an IAS officer from the 1987 batch, had served as the state’s Chief Secretary.
DGP Rashmi Shukla:
Rashmi Shukla was the most senior IPS officer in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state government had submitted a seniority-based list to the Union Home Ministry.
Ms. Shukla came into the limelight in March 2022 when she was accused of phone tapping involving Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and NCP’s Eknath Khadse in 2019. At the time, she headed Maharashtra’s Intelligence Department. Following this, FIRs were registered against her, first in Pune and later in Colaba, South Mumbai.
Her appointment as the state’s top cop came over three months after the Bombay High Court quashed these FIRs. Prior to her central deputation, Ms. Shukla held prominent roles in Maharashtra, including Pune Police Commissioner and Director of the State Intelligence Wing. She also served as the Additional Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
