New Delhi: Three states in India have recently appointed new Chief Secretaries, who have taken charge on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

In Maharashtra, Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 batch, has become the state's first female Chief Secretary. She takes over from Nitin Kareer and brings over three decades of experience in public policy and governance. Previously serving as additional chief secretary in the state's home department, Saunik has made substantial contributions to sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, disaster management, and peacekeeping.

Uttar Pradesh welcomes Manoj Kumar Singh, an IAS officer from the 1988 batch, as its new Chief Secretary. Known for his effective management during the Covid-19 pandemic in rural areas and his leadership in initiatives like the 'BC Sakhi' scheme, Singh succeeds DS Mishra. He holds multiple key positions, including Agriculture Production Commissioner and Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, contributing significantly to the state's development.

In Odisha, Manoj Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre and former Union agriculture and farmers welfare secretary, has been appointed as Chief Secretary from 1st July 2024. Ahuja brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the central level, including roles in personnel training, education, and mining sectors. His appointment underlines the state's shift under the BJP-led government and aims to bolster administrative efficiency and governance. /BI