Senior IAS officer Manisha Mhaiskar’s claim that a minister once refused a woman secretary has triggered debate on gender bias in governance. Read her full profile and details.
A statement by senior IAS officer Manisha Mhaiskar has stirred a fresh debate on gender bias within the higher echelons of governance in Maharashtra.
Mhaiskar, a 1992-batch IAS officer currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the state’s Home Department, revealed that a minister had once expressed unwillingness to appoint a woman as secretary in his department. The claim, reported by The Indian Express, has generated significant discussion across administrative and political circles.
Claim Linked to 2023 Posting Exercise
The senior officer shared the incident during an interview featured in a souvenir for an upcoming conference of women civil servants in New Delhi.
Recalling events from 2023, shortly after the formation of the present state government, she said that during discussions on departmental postings, a political leader indicated a preference against appointing a woman as departmental secretary.
Describing the episode as unusual, Mhaiskar remarked that such an experience was unprecedented in her long career. She noted that in over three decades of public service, this was the only time she had encountered such a situation, calling it “shocking.”
No Names Revealed, Speculation Intensifies
While the officer did not identify the minister concerned, her remarks have triggered speculation in political circles.
The incident is believed to have occurred during the early phase of the current ruling alliance in Maharashtra, led by Devendra Fadnavis, along with key leaders such as Eknath Shinde. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the government addressing the claim.
According to Mhaiskar, the alleged stance effectively excluded her from consideration for that particular posting.
A Rare Instance in a Long Career
Highlighting the broader administrative environment, Mhaiskar emphasized that gender-based discrimination is not common in today’s bureaucracy.
She underlined that the system has evolved significantly, with women officers increasingly occupying key leadership positions. This, she suggested, makes the alleged remark stand out as an exception rather than the norm.
Views on Governance and Leadership
In the same interaction, Mhaiskar also shared her perspectives on effective administration.
She stressed that good governance relies on:
Strong time management
Clear prioritisation
Building efficient and cohesive teams
She pointed out that outcomes in administration are closely tied to how well officers collaborate with their teams and execute responsibilities.
Additionally, she noted that social media has become a useful platform for officers to articulate their views and engage with a wider audience.
Profile: Manisha Mhaiskar
Manisha Mhaiskar is a senior IAS officer with over 30 years of experience in public administration.
Date of Birth: March 16, 1969
Education: LL.B.; fluent in English and Marathi
Current Position: Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Maharashtra (since February 2026)
Over her distinguished career, she has held several key roles, including:
Assistant Collector
Deputy Commissioner
District Collector
Municipal Commissioner
Additional Municipal Commissioner
Principal Secretary
Director General
Additional Chief Secretary
Her experience spans multiple sectors of governance, reflecting deep administrative expertise.
Renewed Debate on Gender Representation
The remarks have reignited conversations around gender equality in senior administrative roles.
While the representation of women in governance has improved significantly over the years, the incident highlights that isolated instances of bias may still persist. The development is likely to fuel further discussion on ensuring equal opportunities and a more inclusive administrative framework.
