Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government’s General Administration Department has announced a significant administrative reshuffle. According to the order issued on Friday, Dr Iqbal Singh Chahal, currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary in the Home Department, will retire on January 31, 2026, after a long and distinguished career in government service.
The order specifies that Dr Chahal will hand over his responsibilities to IAS officer Manisha Patankar-Mheyskar, who is presently the Additional Chief Secretary in the Public Works Department. She will assume charge in the Home Department following Dr Chahal’s retirement.
Additionally, the post of Additional Chief Secretary (Mining), which Dr Chahal held in an additional capacity, will be assigned to IAS officer Ashwini Bhide, who currently serves as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister.
This order was issued by Joint Secretary Subhash Umranikar, extending best wishes to Dr Chahal on his retirement. Copies of the order have been circulated to senior officials and relevant departments, including the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Office, Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office, and other concerned authorities.
Dr Iqbal Singh Chahal, a senior officer from the 1989 batch, has held several key positions during his tenure. Notably, as the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), he played a pivotal role in implementing the ‘Mumbai Model’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though he did not reach the position of Chief Secretary, post-retirement, he has been appointed as Chairman of the Mumbai Police Housing Township Project with the rank of Minister of State for a five-year term starting February 1, 2026.
This reshuffle aims to ensure stability in the Maharashtra administration. Manisha Patankar-Mheyskar, a 1992 batch IAS officer, is well-known for her role in the Public Works Department. Ashwini Bhide, a 1995 batch IAS officer, has made significant contributions as Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line).
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