Mon Feb 23 15:56:17 UTC 2026: ### Surat Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Rescinds Resignation, Citing Family Discussions
The Story:
Swati Desai, the Deputy Commissioner of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), has withdrawn her resignation just weeks after submitting it. Desai, 43, initially resigned, stating a desire to spend more time with her 11-year-old twin sons. However, after discussions with family members, she reversed her decision and formally requested to retract her resignation. The SMC was in the process of clearing her resignation, which, according to protocol, takes about a month from submission.
Desai’s initial resignation sparked interest from private firms, leading to seven job offers. However, she deferred those opportunities pending the SMC’s decision on her resignation. Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan had urged Desai to reconsider her decision, praising her as a dedicated and honest officer.
Key Points:
- Swati Desai, Deputy Commissioner of the SMC, initially resigned citing family reasons.
- Desai had served over 20 years in the SMC, rising from a clerk to Deputy Commissioner.
- She received seven job offers from private firms after resigning.
- Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan urged her to reconsider.
- Desai reversed her decision after discussions with family and in-laws.
- She joined the SMC as a clerk in the accounts department in 2007, became municipal secretary in 2017, and was appointed as deputy municipal commissioner in 2021.
Key Takeaways:
- Work-life balance remains a significant challenge for women in leadership positions, even in government roles.
- Experienced public servants are highly sought after by the private sector.
- Family influence plays a crucial role in career decisions, particularly in the Indian context.
- Organizations can benefit from actively encouraging valuable employees to reconsider resignations.
- The SMC’s established process for handling resignations allows for reconsideration, showcasing a degree of flexibility.
First Piper 