Mumbai, November 30: Senior IAS officer J P Dange was today named Maharashtra’s new Chief Secretary.
Dange took over the charge from Johny Joseph, whose extended tenure ended today.
Dange’s appointment came in the backdrop of reports that pressure was mounting on the State Government from Dalit leaders not to ignore the 1973-batch officer for the top post.
The other name in the reckoning was that of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Chandra Iyengar, who belongs to the same batch.
The name of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) chief Ratnakar Gaikwad (1975 batch) was also considered “as he is known for his administrative abilities and also represents the Dalit community,” an official said.
Iyengar is perceived to be close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar during whose chief ministerial tenure she formulated a comprehensive women’s policy which was later emulated at the national level, the official said.
–Agencies