Pimpri: Rajesh Patil took the charge as Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner on Monday. The former PCMC Commissioner Shravan Hardikar is appointed as the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps for Pune division. Rajesh Patil, who belongs to the Odisha cadre took the charge from Hardikar on Monday.

There were rumours about Hardikar’s transfer in March last year. However, he was given an extension amid COVID-19 pandemic. Hardikar whose administration received acclaim for the handling of the situation of COVID-19 completed three and a half years of tenure. Matters such as water supply, waste management, sewage, health-infra and were some of the aspects that he stressed during his tenure.

WHO IS RAJESH PATIL

Rajesh Patil hails from Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. He joined the services under the Odisha Cadre and started as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in 2006. During his service in Odisha, he achieved multiple milestones. Successful rescue and rehabilitation during the 2008 flooding of Mahanadi River, peaceful involvements to solve tribal-non tribal battles, ‘Ready to Eat’ food programme for pre-schoolers to name a few.

Due to his exemplary work, he has received multiple awards and recognitions. He has received the President’s Award for outstanding work for the rehabilitation of People With Disabilities in 2014, the Prime Minister’s Award for excellence in MGNREGA implementation in Mayurbhanj district, Chief Minister Award for excellence and most innovative intervention (2016) and more.

Before joining PCMC, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director Employment, Odisha Skill Development Authority.