What Major Changes Did the Odisha Government Make in IAS Reshuffle?
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Synopsis
The recent IAS reshuffle by the Odisha government marks a significant shift in administrative roles aimed at bolstering governance. This move is vital as the state faces rising scrutiny from opposition parties. Discover the key appointments and changes that could reshape the bureaucratic landscape in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
- Major reshuffle in Odisha's IAS cadre announced.
- Hemant Sharma takes additional charge of Information & Public Relations.
- Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra appointed as Principal Secretary of Finance.
- N.B.S. Rajput remains CMD of OSRTC while becoming Principal Secretary of Public Enterprises.
- Focus on improving governance amid opposition challenges.
Bhubaneswar, July 22 (NationPress) The Odisha government on Tuesday unveiled a significant reshuffle in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre, part of a more extensive administrative reform that affects numerous senior bureaucrats across various departments.
The state government is optimistic that this reshuffle will bolster governance and enhance administrative efficiency, especially in light of increasing challenges from opposition parties over recent months.
As per the notification from the Odisha GA and PG department, Hemant Sharma, serving as the Additional Chief Secretary for the Industries Department and Chairman of IPICOL, will now also take on the role of Additional Chief Secretary for the Information & Public Relations Department.
Additionally, the appointment of Sanjay Kumar Singh as Principal Secretary to the Information & Public Relations Department has been rescinded.
Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, a 1997-batch IAS officer currently positioned as Principal Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department with an additional role in the ST & SC Development, M&BCW Department, has been designated as Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, while retaining his additional charge as Chairman of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO).
Similarly, 1999-batch officer N.B.S. Rajput has been appointed Principal Secretary of the Public Enterprises Department and will maintain his role as CMD of OSRTC, the state-owned transport corporation.
Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, currently serving as Principal Secretary to the Sports & Youth Services Department along with CMD of OPTCL, has been appointed as Principal Secretary of the Excise Department but will continue in his CMD role at OPTCL.
Moreover, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar's additional charge as Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Excise Department has been removed.
Roopa Roshan Sahoo, a 2006-batch IAS officer, is now the Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor of Odisha. Sachin R. Jadhav has been appointed Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department while keeping his posts as RDC (Northern Division), Sambalpur, and CEO of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC).
Lastly, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, a 2008-batch IAS officer, will serve as Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the Skill Development & Technical Education Department while remaining MD of IPICOL.
Point of View
Ensuring that the state's governance remains robust and responsive to public needs.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the major IAS reshuffle in Odisha?
The reshuffle was initiated in response to increasing challenges from opposition parties, aiming to enhance governance and administrative efficiency.
Who are some key appointees in the reshuffle?
Notable appointees include Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra as Principal Secretary of Finance and N.B.S. Rajput as Principal Secretary of Public Enterprises.
What is the significance of this reshuffle?
This reshuffle is significant as it represents an effort to realign administrative roles to better meet the state's governance needs amidst political scrutiny.
