Ashwini Bhide takes charge as BMC's first female Municipal Commissioner in 160 years as Bhushan Gagrani retires from service
Ashwini Bhide at the BMC headquarters on Tuesday evening. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Ashwini Bhide, 55, who took charge as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Municipal Commissioner on Tuesday, is the first woman IAS officer to hold the office since it was set up 160 years ago. With her appointment, the civic body is now governed by a majority of women in key positions of authority, with Ritu Tawde as mayor, and Kishori Pednekar as Leader of the Opposition. Moreover, three out of BMC’s four statutory bodies at the headquarters are now headed by women.
“Because the government did not get a chance to appoint a woman to this position before, this is probably being highlighted. But it is not a very different situation,” Bhide said. The 1995 batch IAS officer replaced Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who took the civil services examination in 1990. Gagrani retired from service on Tuesday.
“I have followed in his footsteps in a way. He is from Kolhapur district, and I’m from Sangli district. When he appeared for the civil services exam, it was a big inspiration for me. I am happy I am taking charge of this office from him,” Bhide added.
More women in key roles
The Mahayuti government has, in the past two years, appointed women officers to other key posts, including Rashmi Shukla as the first woman Director General of Police in January 2024, and Sujata Saunik as first woman Chief Secretary in 2024.
Women on key BMC posts
Ritu Tawde: Mumbai mayor
Kishori Pednekar: Leader of Opposition in BMC
Rajeshree Shirwadkar: Education committee chairperson
Trushna Vishwasrao: BEST Committee chairperson
Mumbai Mayor reacts
Ritu Tawde, Mumbai mayor
‘Heartiest congratulations to Ashwini Bhide on her appointment. She has become the first woman commissioner of BMC, which is a matter of great pride. This honour of women-power is a matter of pride not only for the administration, but for the city. Her extensive experience in the Metro project and her disciplined work ethic will definitely take development to a new level. With a woman as mayor and a woman as commissioner, I believe together we will create smart and safe Mumbai that Mumbaikars dream of.’
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