Odisha-cadre IAS Nikunja Dhal sent on central deputation

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and the Department of Personnel and Training effected a brief reshuffle in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre, on Friday. Accordingly, senior Odisha-cadre bureaucrat Nikunja Bihari Dhal was sent on central deputation, a notification issued in this regard by the ACC mentioned.

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New Parliamentary Affairs Secretary

Nikunja Dhal, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Odisha-cadre, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Dhal will take over from Umang Narula, who is scheduled to retire on June 30, 2025.

With a distinguished track record in the Odisha government, including roles as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Chief Minister and Chief Electoral Officer, Nikunja Dhal brings a wide array of administrative and governance experiences to his new position in the Union Ministry, where his insights are expected to make a meaningful impact.

In another key appointment, the Central government has extended the deputation of 1994-batch Odisha-cadre IAS officer Santosh Kumar Sarangi. Presently, the Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Sarang,i will now serve as the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

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The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also cleared the in-situ promotion of Ranjana Chopra, another 1994-batch Odisha-cadre IAS officer. She has been elevated to the rank and pay of Special Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Culture from Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Culture.