In a move that reverberates through Maharashtra’s power corridors, the state government has orchestrated a high-level bureaucratic shuffle. At its heart is the retirement of Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal, the seasoned Additional Chief Secretary (Home), effective January 31, 2026.
Manisha Patankar-Mhaishkar from Public Works will now lead the Home Department, taking over directly from Chahal. Ashwini Bhide, trusted aide to the Chief Minister, picks up the Mining portfolio previously held additionally by Chahal.
The formal order, released Friday by Joint Secretary Subhash Umranikar, includes retirement felicitations for Chahal and has been forwarded to the CMO, Deputy CM’s office, and departmental heads for immediate awareness.
Chahal’s 1989 batch credentials boast a career highlight: steering BMC through COVID-19 with the pathbreaking ‘Mumbai Model.’ This initiative integrated technology, grassroots mobilization, and swift policy execution to curb the virus’s spread effectively.
Bypassing the top Chief Secretary slot, Chahal’s next chapter involves a prestigious five-year stint as Chairman of Mumbai Police Housing Township from February 1, 2026, with Minister of State honors—a fitting tribute to his service.
The new appointees are no strangers to excellence. 1992 batch’s Patankar-Mhaishkar excels in infrastructure delivery via Public Works, and 1995’s Bhide shines in urban transit with her Metro Line 3 stewardship.
This timely administrative pivot aims to sustain momentum in law enforcement, mining regulation, and public infrastructure, reinforcing Maharashtra’s administrative resilience.