Did IAS Officer Rajesh Kumar Meena Just Become Maharashtra's Chief Secretary?

Mumbai, June 30 (NationPress) A prominent IAS officer from the 1988 batch, Rajesh Kumar Meena, assumed the role of the 46th Chief Secretary (CS) of Maharashtra on Monday, taking over from the retiring Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.

On this occasion, numerous department secretaries extended their greetings. Rajesh Kumar Meena will serve for a brief tenure, as he is set to retire in August.

Prior to his new role, Meena was the additional chief secretary of the revenue department and had also held significant positions such as additional chief secretary of the cooperation, rural development, industry, energy, and labour departments. His experience includes serving as the principal secretary of water supply and cleanliness, commissioner of the Integrated Child Development Scheme, and in tribal development.

Meena’s previous roles also included being the municipal commissioner of Solapur and the district collector of Osmanabad.

Expressing gratitude, Meena thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with the entire cabinet for entrusting him with the chief secretary role in Maharashtra. He stated, “I will collaborate with all department secretaries as a cohesive team to propel Maharashtra forward in every sector, enhance progress, and boost efficiency. We will achieve this through good governance and the integration of modern technologies, aiming for a Viksit Maharashtra.”

The outgoing Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, remarked, “For a Karmayogi, retirement is just a transition. While I conclude one chapter, another awaits. I am completely satisfied with my role as CS. Work continues, and thus we transfer responsibilities. My successor will build upon the initiatives I have undertaken.”

When asked about her future responsibilities with the state government, Saunik replied, “I am grateful to the government. Let’s contemplate the future later.”

Rajesh Kumar Meena steps into this position while the MahaYuti government works on executing the Supreme Court mandate for conducting civic and local body elections in the state. The State Election Commission has already instructed civic bodies to finalize ward delineation.

His appointment comes as the government aims for Maharashtra to reach a one trillion dollar economy by 2027 and to achieve Viksit Maharashtra by 2047. As chief secretary, Meena will need to coordinate various departments and district collectors to facilitate the implementation of the Rs 86,300 crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg, especially amid rising protests from farmers and opposition parties.

Despite the state’s decision to retract two resolutions on introducing Hindi as a third language alongside Marathi and English from grade one, the new chief secretary must oversee the functioning of the high-level committee led by former Planning Commission member Dr. Narendra Jadhav regarding the trilingual formula in the state.