Frequent IAS reshuffles under new government in Odisha trigger debate

Ever since the new government assumed office in Odisha, repeated reshuffles at the IAS officer level have drawn widespread attention and sparked debate over administrative stability in the state.

In the past 18 months, the government has carried out three major reshuffles along with nearly ten minor transfer orders. The frequency of these changes has intensified, particularly after Anu Garg assumed charge as the new Chief Secretary, with multiple rounds of transfers taking place under her leadership including two within a single week.

A timeline of the transfers shows that soon after coming to power in July 2024, the government reshuffled 20 officers. Subsequent rounds followed in August and November 2024. In July 2025, a major overhaul saw the transfer of 49 officers, including several district Collectors. Another 15 officers were shifted in October 2025. After the appointment of the new Chief Secretary, further changes were made as part of efforts to reorganise the administrative team.

The frequent reshuffles have triggered discussions in bureaucratic and political circles. Questions are being raised about whether the transfers are driven by performance considerations or political factors. Concerns have also emerged about coordination and continuity within the governance system.

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"Civil Service has been turned into political service. Transfers are being considered based on closeness with the officers. However, sometimes transfers are required," said former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo.

Amid the reshuffles, several IAS officers are currently handling multiple departments due to a shortage of officers in the state cadre.

Senior IAS officer Hemant Sharma is overseeing key portfolios including Home, Industries, and Information & Public Relations, and is also serving as Chairman of IPICOL. Development Commissioner Deoranjan Singh is managing Planning, Coordination, and Mines in addition to his core responsibilities.

Other officers, including Surendra Kumar, Sanjay Singh, Arabinda Padhee, Usha Padhee, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and Balwant Singh, are handling two departments each.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has acknowledged the shortage of IAS officers in Odisha and said that the State government has taken up the matter with the Centre.

"There is shortage of IAS officers in Odisha. Some IAS posts are vacant here. I have requested the Prime Minister's office to provide the required number of IAS officers to Odisha," said Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.

As per information shared in the Assembly in December, the sanctioned strength of IAS officers in the state is 248, of which 46 posts remain vacant. While 175 officers are currently serving in the State, 27 are on central deputation. The recent completion of tenures of Manoj Ahuja and G Mathi Vathanan has further impacted the cadre strength.

With multiple portfolios assigned to individual officers and frequent reshuffles continuing, questions remain over how the government will ensure administrative continuity and effective governance in the coming months.