Worked 12 Hours Daily, Had No Time for Children: Surat Dy Municipal Commissioner Resigns

Surat: In a significant development, Swati Desai, the first woman Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Surat, has tendered her resignation citing family responsibilities and the need to devote time to her children.

Desai submitted her resignation to the authorities, stating that the demanding nature of her role required her to work nearly 12 hours a day, leaving her with little time to care for her 11-year-old twins. In her communication, she reportedly expressed that balancing the intense professional commitments with her responsibilities as a mother had become increasingly difficult.

Worked 12 Hours Daily:Heavy Workload and Administrative Pressure

As Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Desai handled multiple key portfolios, overseeing civic administration, urban services and public welfare initiatives in one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing cities. Officials familiar with her tenure said the role involved long working hours, constant field visits and close monitoring of civic projects.

Sources indicated that the pressure of managing day-to-day administrative responsibilities, along with attending review meetings and handling public grievances, significantly limited her personal time.

Prioritising Family

In her resignation, Desai emphasised that her primary concern was her children’s upbringing and well-being. She reportedly mentioned that her busy schedule left her with minimal involvement in their daily routines and academic activities.

Colleagues described her decision as “personal but courageous,” acknowledging that it highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by working parents, particularly women in high-ranking administrative positions.

Awaiting Official Acceptance

The resignation has been forwarded to the state government for consideration. Until a formal decision is taken, Desai is expected to continue in her role or hand over charge as per administrative directions.

Her resignation has sparked discussions on work-life balance in public service and the need for supportive mechanisms that allow senior officials to manage both professional and personal commitments effe