In a significant administrative overhaul, the Maharashtra government has reassigned seven senior IAS officers, realigning key posts across the state. The reshuffle, announced on the same day as the state cabinet meeting, reflects a focused strategy to strengthen governance ahead of the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela and other crucial policy priorities.
Shekhar Singh to Head Kumbh Mela Authority in Nashik
Shekhar Singh, who was until now the Municipal Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad, has been entrusted with the role of Commissioner for the Nashik Kumbh Mela. His new responsibility places him at the helm of planning and coordination for one of India’s largest religious gatherings, expected to draw massive crowds from across the globe.
Devendra Singh to Manage Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
M. Devendra Singh, formerly the District Collector of Ratnagiri, has been appointed as Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in Mumbai. In this position, he will supervise pollution-control measures, industrial compliance, and environmental safeguards throughout the state.
Jalaj Sharma Takes Over Nashik Metropolitan Authority
Jalaj Sharma, who had been serving as Nashik’s District Collector, has been promoted as Metropolitan Commissioner of the Nashik Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). His new assignment gives him charge of major infrastructure expansion and urban development efforts in the region.
Exchange of Roles: Ayush Prasad and Rohan Ghughe
Ayush Prasad, who was the District Collector of Jalgaon, has now been transferred to Nashik as its new Collector. Meanwhile, Rohan Ghughe, earlier CEO of Zilla Parishad, Thane, will replace Prasad as the District Collector of Jalgaon.
Sanjay Kolte Named Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner
Sanjay Kolte, who previously led the Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project in Mumbai as its Managing Director, has been shifted to Pune to serve as Sugar Commissioner. The post, vacant for some time, is crucial to Maharashtra’s sugar sector — an industry central to both the state’s economy and policymaking.
Manoj Jindal Posted as Collector of Ratnagiri
Manoj Jindal, Joint Managing Director at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has been appointed as the new District Collector of Ratnagiri, stepping into the position vacated by M. Devendra Singh.
Government Signals Policy Realignment
The decision to implement these transfers in sync with a cabinet session underlines the government’s broader strategy — ensuring that seasoned officers are positioned to handle upcoming challenges ranging from mega-events like the Kumbh Mela to pressing environmental and developmental issues. The reshuffle is expected to streamline administrative efficiency across multiple sectors.
