Rajesh Kumar Meena, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. He takes over the position from Sujata Saunik, who retired on June 30, 2025, after becoming the state's first woman Chief Secretary. The Maharashtra government made the appointment of Meena as the state's top bureaucrat on Monday.

Meena's appointment comes at a crucial time for Maharashtra, with state elections approaching and significant infrastructure and governance reforms underway. As Chief Secretary, he will be the administrative head of the state bureaucracy and a key coordinator between the political executive and civil service, playing a vital role in steering Maharashtra's policy agenda.

Rajesh Kumar Meena hails from Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan. He is considered a seasoned and skillful administrator with extensive experience across multiple departments. Meena has held several key positions throughout his career, including CEO of Beed Zilla Parishad and Collector of Dharashiv and Jalgaon districts. Before being appointed as Chief Secretary, he was serving as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in the Revenue Department. He will continue to hold his previous post alongside his new responsibilities. Meena had most recently been heading the Forest Department before taking charge as Chief Secretary.

Meena's appointment has been met with enthusiasm in his hometown, where his wife, Archana Meena, a hotel entrepreneur and social worker, is being felicitated. Archana is the daughter of former Union Minister and Member of Parliament Jaskaur Meena.

Rajesh Kumar Meena's tenure as Chief Secretary will be relatively short, as he is set to retire in August 2025, just 61 days after assuming the position. Despite the brief period, the government's decision to appoint him underscores their confidence in his ability to effectively manage the state's administration during this critical time.

With Meena's appointment, there is a sense of pride in his home state of Rajasthan. He joins the ranks of other officers from Rajasthan who hold top positions in other states, such as Amrit Lal Meena and Khilli Ram Meena, who are serving as Chief Secretaries of Bihar and Mizoram, respectively.

Rajesh Kumar Meena's extensive experience and administrative acumen are expected to be valuable assets as he takes on the responsibilities of Chief Secretary. His leadership will be essential for ensuring effective governance and policy execution in Maharashtra as the state moves towards upcoming elections.