SMC deputy municipal commissioner Ashish Naik resigns citing health reasons

Surat: In a surprising move, deputy municipal commissioner (health) Ashish Naik tendered his resignation from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday, sparking speculation within civic circles. Naik, who had seven years remaining until his retirement, cited health reasons for stepping down.
Sources within the SMC confirmed that Naik submitted his resignation both verbally and in writing to senior officials. The matter is expected to be tabled for discussion during the standing committee meeting scheduled for Friday. As Thursday was a public holiday, no official decision has been taken yet by top SMC authorities.
Naik was a prominent figure in SMC's health and sanitation initiatives. He led the health department during the city's successful campaign in the Swachh Survekshan Awards, where Surat shared the top national ranking with Indore in 2023. He also headed the solid waste management department, which played a pivotal role in maintaining the city's performance in cleanliness rankings through 2024. Additionally, Naik steered the civic body's COVID-19 response, overseeing outbreak management and the mass vaccination drive.
His resignation follows a series of key reshuffles in the civic body, particularly in departments connected to the Swachh Bharat Mission. Two days ago, Dr. Swapnil Patel, assistant nodal officer for the mission, was transferred to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER). Sources said the transfer followed certain issues that came to the attention of municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal. Dr. Prakash Patel, previously in the vaccination division, has been appointed in his place.
In another move raising questions, environmental engineer Jwalant Naik — who was also closely associated with Swachh Sarvekshan efforts — was shifted to the Sarthana Zone. He has been replaced by Sharad Kaklotar. This transfer comes at a critical time as a new solid waste disposal site is under development near Umber, while operations at the existing Khajod site are being wound down. With a series of exits and transfers from key posts, further fuelling speculation about internal developments within the SMC.
A doctor of community medicine by qualification, Naik joined SMC in 1997. He was appointed health officer in 2006, became the medical officer of health in 2015, and was promoted to the rank of deputy commissioner in 2018.