Senior IAS officer Arabinda Padhee promoted to Apex Grade, appointed Additional Chief Secretary by Odisha govt

The Odisha government on Wednesday promoted senior IAS officer Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee (IAS: 1996 batch) to the Apex Grade (Level-17) of the Indian Administrative Service, with effect from January 1, 2026.

According to a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department on December 31, 2025, the promotion has been granted under the provisions of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016. Following his elevation to the Apex Grade, Padhee has been appointed to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary and will continue to hold his current position in situ until further orders.

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In a related development, the state government also approved the proforma promotion of Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani (IAS: 1995 batch) to the Apex Grade (Level-17) of the IAS, in accordance with the same rules.

The orders were issued with the approval of the Governor of Odisha. Copies of the notification have been forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action. The notification will also be published in the upcoming issue of the Odisha Gazette.

The promotions are part of the routine cadre management process aimed at strengthening senior administrative leadership in the state.