A pivotal administrative reconfiguration in Maharashtra signals the end of an era for one of its most distinguished bureaucrats. Dr. I.S. Chahal, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), is set to retire on January 31, 2026, following a illustrious career spanning over three decades.
The government’s Friday directive mandates that Manisha Patankar-Mhaishkar, presently helming Public Works as Additional Chief Secretary, steps into Chahal’s shoes at the Home Department. Meanwhile, Ashwini Bhide, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, assumes the additional charge of Mining.
Issued under the authority of Joint Secretary Subhash Umranikar, the order conveys heartfelt congratulations to Chahal and disseminates details to principal secretaries across key offices, ensuring a smooth handover.
Belonging to the 1989 IAS batch, Chahal’s legacy includes transformative leadership at BMC during the height of COVID-19. His ‘Mumbai Model’—a blueprint for crisis response—involved rapid testing, isolation, and community engagement, setting benchmarks for urban governance.
Post-retirement, Chahal transitions to chair the ambitious Mumbai Police Housing Township Project with state minister-equivalent perks, effective from February 1, 2026, for five years. This appointment leverages his vast experience in infrastructure and public health.
Incoming Manisha Patankar-Mhaishkar (1992 batch) is celebrated for streamlining public works projects, while Ashwini Bhide (1995 batch) has been instrumental in advancing Mumbai’s metro infrastructure, notably Aqua Line 3.
As Maharashtra navigates political and developmental headwinds, this reshuffle fortifies key departments, promising stability and innovation in governance.
