NewKerala.com

Sunetra Pawar: From Green Warrior to Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar has made a historic transition from a prominent conservationist to Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. She steps into this leadership role during a critical period for the NCP following the passing of her husband, Ajit Pawar. Her background is deeply rooted in environmental activism, having founded the Environmental Forum of India and pioneered the eco-village model. She now faces the immediate task of assuming administrative control and maintaining party unity ahead of the state budget session.

Key Points: Sunetra Pawar Becomes Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy CM

  • Historic first woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra
  • Faces party leadership challenge after Ajit Pawar
  • Founded Environmental Forum of India (EFOI)
  • Received the "Green Warrior Award" for conservation
2 min read

From conservationist to Dy CM: Sunetra Pawar's political leap

Conservationist Sunetra Pawar makes a historic leap to Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, facing the challenge of guiding the NCP through a crisis.

"She must quickly begin administrative duties as the state legislature's budget session starts on February 23. - Report"

Mumbai, Jan 31

Sunetra Pawar has progressed from a prominent conservationist to Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister. As the wife of former deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, she currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member and will retain this position until she joins another house.

Sunetra Pawar steps into a leadership role during a significant transition for the NCP and the state after the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar. Though not directly involved in decision-making, her presence influenced Ajit Pawar's political life.

Sunetra Pawar now faces the challenge of assuming administrative control and guiding the party through the current crisis until a new president is appointed. She must also maintain party unity amid merger talks with NCP SP, especially since no major elections are scheduled in the next three and a half months, and the state assembly elections are set for November 2029.

Sunetra Pawar, affectionately known as Vahini, must quickly begin administrative duties as the state legislature's budget session starts on February 23. She has been involved in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment, leading several initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable progress in India.

In 2010, Sunetra Pawar founded the Environmental Forum of India (EFOI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to raising environmental awareness and fostering eco-conscious communities. Under her leadership, EFOI pioneered the eco-village model in India,t integrating ecological practices into rural development. This initiative hashelped transformg rural landscapes and promote self-reliant, environmentally responsible villages.​

A dedicated environmentalist, she has led grassroots campaigns on biodiversity conservation, endangered species protection, water resource management, and drought mitigation. In recognition of her work, she received the "Green Warrior Award."

Beyond her environmental work, Sunetra Pawar serves as a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, an institution dedicated to quality education and rural academic excellence.

Her global engagement is also significant. Since 2011, she has served as a member of the World Entrepreneurship Forum's Think Tank (France), representing India in international discussions on sustainability and social innovation. Born into an agricultural family, Sunetra Pawar has established herself as a social and business entrepreneur, committed to empowering communities and promoting sustainable living.

Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in​

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect her environmental work, let's be honest. This is clearly a political arrangement to keep the Pawar family's hold on the party during a crisis. She has zero administrative experience. The budget session starts soon—hope she's a quick learner.
A
Aditya G
Her work with eco-villages is fantastic. If she can apply that grassroots, sustainable model to policymaking, it could be a game-changer for rural Maharashtra. Fingers crossed she gets the support she needs from the bureaucracy.
S
Sarah B
Interesting profile. From an agricultural family to a global think tank on entrepreneurship. That blend of rural roots and international perspective could be very valuable. The challenge will be navigating the murky waters of state politics.
K
Karthik V
A woman from a non-political background reaching this position is commendable. But the article says she wasn't directly involved in decision-making. Now she has to make them. The real test begins on Feb 23 with the budget. Jai Maharashtra!
N
Nisha Z
Hope her environmental focus doesn't get lost in the politics. Maharashtra faces serious issues with water scarcity and pollution. We need a leader who prioritizes this. Her EFOI work gives me some hope. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50