Deoranjan Singh takes charge as Odisha Development Commissioner after senior IAS reshuffle

Senior IAS officer Deoranjan Kumar Singh formally assumed charge as Odisha’s new Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary on Friday, a day after the state government announced a major reshuffle at the senior bureaucratic level on the occasion of the New Year.

Singh took over the responsibility following official orders issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department.

Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, while also holding multiple additional charges, including Special Relief Commissioner, Member of the Board of Revenue, and Managing Director of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).

After assuming office, Singh said he would focus on coordinated planning and implementation across departments. “Development planning requires planning and timely execution. I will work with all departments to ensure continuity and efficiency,” he said.

"Odisha is currently on a new growth trajectory, and we are following a vision to make the state a developed one by 2036 and align it with the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap. I will utilise the best of my abilities to fulfil these visions," Singh added.

Changes In Board Of Revenue And Home Department

As part of the reshuffle, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Home Department, has been appointed as Member, Board of Revenue, Odisha, Cuttack. He had earlier been holding additional charge of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.

Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, will continue to hold additional charge of the Home Department. He is also holding additional responsibilities related to Information and Public Relations and IPICOL, as per the government notification.

Also Read: ‘Odisha Lok Seva Bhawan not a place to film reels’: says Law Min, warns of strict vigil, action

Additional Charges Across Key Departments

Several other senior officers have been entrusted with additional responsibilities. Shubha Sarma will continue as Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department, along with her existing role in the Women and Child Development Department.

Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma will continue as Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, in addition to his responsibilities in the Excise Department.

Rajesh Prabhakar Patil has been assigned the charge of Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha, and Managing Director, OSDMA, along with his existing responsibilities in the Co-operation Department and allied bodies.

Also Read: Administration to focus on high-priority projects, budget efficiency: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg

Collector Transfers In Nayagarh And Gajapati

The reshuffle also includes changes at the district level. Akshay Sunil Agrawal, who was serving as Collector and District Magistrate of Nayagarh, has been transferred as Collector and District Magistrate of Gajapati.

Madhumita Rath, Additional Secretary in the School and Mass Education Department, has been appointed as the new Collector and District Magistrate of Nayagarh under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.