Odisha govt promotes three senior IAS officers to Additional Chief Secretary rank

In a significant move, the Odisha government on Saturday elevated three senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from the 1996 batch to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). This decision comes as part of their promotion to the Apex Grade (Level-17) of the IAS pay matrix.

The three officers promoted are Saswata Mishra, Vishal Kumar Dev, and Usha Padhee. Alongside them, Veer Vikram Yadav, currently on central deputation, has also been granted the promotion. These officers now join the top tier of the IAS hierarchy, a move that reflects their distinguished careers and significant contributions to the administration.

About the Officers

Usha Padhee is a notable figure in Odisha’s civil service. With qualifications in B.E. and M.P.A., she has held key positions within the state government and in 2020 was appointed as the Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). She made history as the first woman officer to hold the position replacing IPS officer Rakesh Asthana who served as DG between January 2019 and August 2020.

Also Read: Usha Padhee becomes skill development and technical education dept secretary

Central Deputation and Promotion

Veer Vikram Yadav’s promotion, granted under sub-rule 5 of Rule 8 of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016, acknowledges his contribution even while on central deputation.

The promotion of these officers to the ACS rank highlights the Odisha government’s recognition of their exceptional service. With these advancements, they are now positioned to take on even greater responsibilities within the administration.