Nitin Kareer has become the new chief secretary of Maharashtra. He took over on Sunday evening from outgoing chief secretary Manoj Saunik.
Kareer, a 1988 batch IAS officer, was serving as additional chief secretary of Finance Department. He is due to retire in March. However, it is likely that Kareer may get an extension due to Lok Sabha election.
The Maharashtra government had sent proposal for extension of Saunik also but the centre turned down the proposal. Saunik now is expected to become the chief information commissioner of Maharashtra.
Manoj Saunik's wife Sujata Saunik, who is 1987 batch IAS officer, was also in the race for the chief secretary. However, her candidature was again not considered. Last time her husband Manoj Saunik won over her and this time Kareer, a one batch junior officer superseded her. She is currently posted as additional chief secretary of home department.
Had Sujata Saunik become chief secretary, she would have been first chief secretary of Maharashtra.
Nitin Kareer is considered an upright officer with strong control over financial matters. He has worked as the additional chief secretary in revenue and urban development departments as well. Among various key positions he has held in the past include the post of Director General of Information and Public Relations.
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