Who Is IAS Iqbal Singh Chahal? Former BMC Commissioner Appointed MoS-Rank Chairman of Mumbai Police Housing Township Project
Senior IAS officer Iqbal Singh Chahal (IAS: 1989: Maharashtra cadre) has been appointed as Chairman of the Mumbai Police Housing Township Project with the rank of Minister of State (MoS). He will assume office on February 1, 2026, for a tenure of five years.
This marks a significant post-retirement assignment for Chahal, making him the second senior bureaucrat in the current Maharashtra government to receive an MoS-rank role after retirement, following Praveen Pardeshi, who was appointed Chief Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister and CEO of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA).
About the Mumbai Police Housing Township Project
The Mumbai Police Housing Township Project is a flagship initiative of the Maharashtra government aimed at:
- Providing quality residential accommodation for Mumbai Police personnel and their families.
- Enhancing the welfare and living standards of police staff.
- Supporting the city’s law enforcement infrastructure with modern housing facilities.
Chahal’s Administrative Journey and Achievements
Personal Background
- Date of Birth: January 20, 1966
- Batch & Cadre: 1989, Maharashtra
- Education: B.E. in Electronics
Key Roles Held
- Collector of Thane and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
- Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women & Child Development, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Principal Secretary in Water Resources and Urban Development Departments, Maharashtra
- Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) (2020–2024) – led the celebrated “Mumbai Model” during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Maharashtra (2024 onwards)
Missed Opportunities and Bureaucratic Politics
Despite his seniority and track record, Chahal missed the Chief Secretary post multiple times:
- In June 2025, after Sujata Saunik’s retirement, he was bypassed in favor of Rajesh Kumar Meena (IAS: 1988: MH).
- In November 2025, when Meena’s tenure ended, the government repatriated Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS: 1989: MH) from central deputation and appointed him Chief Secretary.
Other senior officers of the 1990 batch, including Bhushan Gagrani, Anil Diggikar, Deepak Kapoor, and O.P. Gupta, also missed the opportunity due to these decisions.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
- Mumbai Model of COVID-19 Management:
- Decentralized ward-level war rooms.
- Partnerships with private hospitals.
- Slum screening programs in Dharavi.
- Recognized by the Supreme Court of India for oxygen management.
- Water Resource Reforms:
- Contributed to Maharashtra winning the National Water Award in 2018 and 2019.
Awards & Honors
- Mumbai Ratna for pandemic leadership.
- Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year (2021).
- Newsmakers Achievers Awards (2021).
Chahal is also known as a fitness enthusiast and marathon runner, reflecting his personal discipline and endurance.
Looking Ahead
As Chairman of the Mumbai Police Housing Township Project, Chahal is expected to:
- Apply his administrative expertise and strategic planning skills.
- Deliver a project that improves the welfare of Mumbai Police personnel.
- Reinforce the Maharashtra government’s commitment to modern infrastructure development.
