Odisha Government Announces Major Reshuffle of 20 IAS Officers
In a significant administrative overhaul, the Odisha state government effected a major reshuffle of 20 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers on Thursday. This comprehensive restructuring involves key appointments and transfers across multiple departments, aiming to streamline governance and enhance administrative efficiency.
Key Appointments and Transfers
Bishnupada Sethi, a 1995-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chairman of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation. This appointment comes months after Sethi was shifted to the position of officer on special duty in the general administration department, following summons from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bribery case. Additionally, Sethi has been given the additional charge as chief administrator of the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region, a crucial developmental area in the state.
In other notable changes, Balwant Singh, the tourism secretary, has been assigned additional responsibilities as the managing director of the newly created Odisha State Highways Authority. This move underscores the government's focus on infrastructure development and connectivity.
Deoranjan Kumar Singh, the development commissioner, has taken on the additional role of additional chief secretary for steel and mines. This position was previously held by Surendra Kumar, who will continue to serve as additional chief secretary for general administration and parliamentary affairs.
Additional Administrative Adjustments
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, who served as additional chief secretary for agriculture and farmers' empowerment, has been transferred to the revenue and disaster management department. This post was formerly held by Balwant Singh. Padhee will retain his additional charge as chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), ensuring continuity in the management of this important religious institution.
Usha Padhee, additional chief secretary for housing and urban development, has been given additional responsibilities as chairperson of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco). This dual role highlights the government's integrated approach to urban planning and industrial growth.
N B S Rajput, principal secretary for public enterprises, has been appointed as principal secretary for the commerce and transport department. This position was previously held by Usha Padhee in an additional capacity, indicating a shift towards full-time leadership in this critical sector.
Strengthening Key Departments
Shubha Sarma, principal secretary for women and child development with additional charge of water resources, has been appointed as the full-time principal secretary for water resources. This move aims to bolster the state's water management and conservation efforts.
Mrinalini Darswal, special resident commissioner in New Delhi, has been appointed as secretary for women and child development. This appointment is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the department's initiatives.
Rashmita Panda, director of employment-cum-CEO of the Odisha Skill Development Authority and CEO of Startup Odisha, has been appointed as vice-chairperson of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority. Additionally, Panda will hold additional charges as managing director of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited and special secretary for housing and urban development, emphasizing a focus on urban development and smart city projects.
Anupam Saha, additional secretary to the chief minister, has been given additional charge as managing director of the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) Ltd. This role is crucial for advancing the state's infrastructure projects.
This extensive reshuffle reflects the Odisha government's strategic approach to administrative management, aiming to optimize officer placements for better governance and developmental outcomes. The changes are expected to impact various sectors, including forestry, infrastructure, urban development, and public enterprises, contributing to the state's overall progress.
