What Major Changes Did the Odisha Government Make in its Bureaucracy?

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What Major Changes Did the Odisha Government Make in its Bureaucracy?

Synopsis

The Odisha government has initiated a pivotal reshuffle of IAS officers, marking a transformative moment in the state's administration. This move could reshape how key departments function and enhance governance in Odisha, making it a critical development for residents and stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

  • The Odisha government executed a major reshuffle of IAS officers.
  • Girish S.N takes on additional responsibilities in Mission Shakti.
  • Shalini Pandit moves to the Ministry of Finance.
  • Dr. Naik will lead the School and Mass Education Department.
  • Mansi Nimbhal is appointed to the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation.

Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) The government of Odisha implemented a significant reshuffle involving IAS officers on Friday, leading to substantial administrative transformations throughout various departments and critical roles within the state administration.

The Odisha General Administration and Public Grievance Department issued a notification outlining the new appointments and additional responsibilities.

Per the notification from the GA and PG department, Girish S.N, a 2002-batch IAS officer currently serving as Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, has been assigned the extra responsibility of Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the Department of Mission Shakti.

He takes over from senior IAS officer Shalini Pandit, who has been relieved of her duties with the state government effective October 13, to join as Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, for a five-year term.

Pandit, who also holds the position of Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the School and Mass Education Department, will be succeeded by Dr. Noonsavath Thirumala Naik, a 2009-batch IAS officer.

Dr. Naik, currently the Vice-Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority and the Managing Director of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited, will take on the new role after Pandit's departure on October 13.

The 2010-batch IAS officer Mansi Nimbhal, who serves as Director of Tourism and Managing Director of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), will now also assume the role of Managing Director of the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation.

She will continue her additional duties as Additional Secretary of the Water Resources Department following the exit of Swadha Dev Singh from the state government to join the Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

Furthermore, the state government announced the release of Samarth Verma, a 2011-batch IAS officer, currently the Director of Minor Minerals and Managing Director of the Odisha Film Development Corporation, effective October 13, to take up a role as Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Delhi.

In his place, Kanhu Charan Dhir, a senior officer in the Odisha Administrative Service and Private Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister, will step in as the new Director of Minor Minerals.

Point of View

This reshuffle by the Odisha government represents a strategic move to optimize administrative efficiency and accountability. By refreshing leadership roles across essential departments, the government aims to address public grievances effectively and enhance service delivery. This aligns with broader national objectives of improved governance.
NationPress
10/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the bureaucratic reshuffle in Odisha?
The reshuffle was part of the Odisha government's strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and address public grievances more effectively.
Who are the key officers involved in the reshuffle?
Key officers include Girish S.N, Shalini Pandit, Dr. Noonsavath Thirumala Naik, Mansi Nimbhal, and Samarth Verma.
When will the new appointments take effect?
The new appointments will take effect from October 13.
What are the potential impacts of these changes?
These changes could lead to improved governance and more effective service delivery in various departments.
How does this reshuffle compare to past changes in Odisha?
This reshuffle is one of the most significant in recent years, indicating a proactive approach to administrative reform.
Nation Press