Overview

• Rajesh Kumar assumed charge as Maharashtra’s 49th chief secretary at a Mantralaya ceremony on June 30.
• His appointment followed the retirement of Sujata Saunik, the state’s first woman chief secretary, earlier that day.
• His selection followed deliberations over candidates Iqbal Singh Chahal and Bhushan Gagrani, reflecting a balance between seniority and the differing preferences of CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Eknath Shinde.
• Kumar brings administrative experience from his tenure as Additional Chief Secretary in the Revenue Department.
• He said basic services will be shifted to local bodies under streamlined scheme delivery so citizens no longer need to travel to Mantralaya.