Who will be ‘powerful officer’ in Odisha CMO after senior IAS Nikunja Dhal sent on central deputation?

Why was Nikunja Dhal removed from the third floor? Is the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) gearing up for a major administrative reshuffle?
Such questions have emerged after senior IAS officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal, who was serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to Chief Minister of Odisha, was suddenly deputed to the Centre.

This unexpected move has stirred significant discussion in administrative and political circles. Although there were earlier murmurs about his removal, the sudden nature of his deputation has sparked speculation.

Who will replace Dhal in CMO?

Questions are now being raised about who will replace Dhal in the CMO. It is being widely speculated that Manoj Sahu, the CM’s Private Secretary, may emerge as the new ‘all-in-one’ officer in the CMO, potentially becoming a ‘powerful figure’ on the third floor, which houses the top bureaucrats in the State.

Meanwhile, at a time when Odisha is grappling with acute shortage of IAS officers—with 67 posts currently lying vacant—the deputation of two senior officers, Nikunja Dhal and Works Secretary V.V Yadav, is likely to worsen the already strained administrative setup.

On Friday, official notifications confirmed the central deputation of both Dhal and Yadav. Though internal discussions had been ongoing for some time, the decision to send Dhal—just nine months of the new government in Odisha—has raised eyebrows.
Sources suggest that a faction within the BJP legislature party was reportedly dissatisfied with Dhal's functioning and had even raised complaints with the central leadership.

Who will take over?

The names of two senior IAS officers—Satyabrata Sahu and Arabinda Padhee—are being discussed as potential replacements. However, many believe that Manoj Sahu, currently serving as Personal Secretary, may assume a more prominent role in the CMO.

What experts think

“Nikunja Dhal could adjust in the CMO and many were not satisfied with him. Manoj Sahu, Private Secretary to the CM, will play an important role,” said Prasanna Mohanty, a senior journalist and political analyst.

Administrative crisis deepens

The shortage of senior officials is becoming a critical concern. As per the latest data from the State Legislative Assembly:
IAS cadre strength: 248 posts
Working IAS officers: 181
Vacancies: 67
IPS vacancies: 69
IAS officers on central deputation: 22
IAS officers on inter-state deputation under State government: 2

Despite the shortage, several senior officers are currently handling multiple departments. For instance, officers like Sanjay Singh, Deo Ranjan Singh, Vishal Dev, and Satyabrata Sahu are managing two or more portfolios each, while numerous positions remain unfilled.

Government's response

To address the shortfall, the Government has recently promoted 30 OAS officers to IAS ranks. All eyes are now on how the government plans to stabilise and restructure the administration in the coming days amid these growing gaps.

“Odisha government is planning to bring back the officers whose deputation will be completed or who want to come back to the State. Necessary steps in this regard will be taken soon,” said Prithiviraj Harichandan, Law Minister.