In a most recent update, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the appointment of Praveen Pardeshi as the new Chief of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). With this announcement, reports indicate that Pardeshi will replace Ajoy Mehta and take charge on May 10th. Pardeshi, a 1985-batch IAS officer, is one of the top bureaucrats in the chief minister’s government. When Fadnavis took office, he appointed Pardeshi as first the principal secretary, and later, the additional chief secretary. He has also served in various departments of the Indian Administrative services.

In addition to this development, Ajoy Mehtahas been promoted as the new Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. Reports indicate that this appointment has been announced after UPS Madan, who was the current chief secretary, sought voluntary retirement. While Madan was to retire in September this year, it has been reportedly stated that Mehta tenure will be till September this year though the state government may give him an extension. Mehta, a 1984 cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, took over as the commissioner of the MCGM in April 2015. As the municipal commissioner, he oversaw the long-winding process to draft the Mumbai Development Plan 2034, the changes made to it, and its final adoption last year.

And, this has been followed with yet another announcement of UPS Madan being appointed as the Special Advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavais for a one year contract. Madan, a 1983-batch IAS officer has served as the commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) earlier. He has also worked with the chief electoral officer, Maharashtra and was recently this year appointed as chief secretary of Maharashtra.