In a significant administrative change, the Government of Maharashtra has appointed Ashwini Bhide, a senior IAS officer from the 1995 batch, as the Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Bhide’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead India’s wealthiest civic body.
Following the retirement of Bhushan Gagrani, Bhide will take over the position, as confirmed by an official order issued by Subhash Umranikar, Joint Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra. Despite facing competition from other candidates like Aseem Gupta, Anil Diggikar, Milind Mhaiskar, and Sanjay Mukherjee, Bhide was selected by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the role.
Prior to this appointment, Bhide held the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and is known for her strong administrative skills and contributions to major infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Metro Line 3.
Bhide will continue to serve as the Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) until further directives are issued. Her extensive experience with the BMC, having previously served as an Additional Municipal Commissioner, is expected to bring stability and expertise to address the city’s intricate civic issues.
Amidst Mumbai’s ongoing urban development projects such as the Coastal Road and various Metro phases, Bhide’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture. Her reputation for efficient governance is anticipated to enhance oversight of the BMC’s substantial budget and pre-monsoon desilting operations.
