Dr. Shalini Rajneesh has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Karnataka. The 1989 batch IAS officer will take over from her husband, Rajneesh Goel, the outgoing Chief Secretary, who is set to retire on July 31.
This marks the third instance in Karnataka’s history where a bureaucrat has succeeded their spouse in the role of Chief Secretary. Previous instances include Malati Das (Retd IAS, 1970 KN), who followed her husband BK Das, and Teresa Bhattacharya (Retd IAS,1965 KN), who succeeded her spouse BK Bhattacharya.
Similar patterns have emerged in other states: Sujata Saunik (IAS, 1987 MH) recently became Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, replacing her junior Dr. Nitin Kareer (IAS, 1988: MH), while her husband Manoj Saunik (IAS, 1987: MH) previously held the position. In Punjab, Vini Mahajan (IAS: 1987: PB) served as Chief Secretary while her husband Dinkar Gupta (IAS: 1987: PB) was the Director General of Police.
Shalini Rajneesh was the woman topper of the 1989 IAS batch, according to official sources. A PhD in Rural Development, she has penned several books covering various subjects like management, personality development, and women empowerment.
Elets Technomedia wishes her all the very best for her new role.
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