1994-Batch Officer to Succeed Amitabh Jain Upon His Retirement on September 30
In a major administrative development, the Chhattisgarh government has appointed senior IAS officer Vikas Sheel as the state’s next Chief Secretary. He will assume charge on September 30, 2025, following the retirement of incumbent Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, who was granted a three-month extension beyond his original retirement date of June 30 to ensure a smooth transition.
Recalled from International Posting to Lead State Administration
Vikas Sheel, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been recalled from his central deputation at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, where he was serving as Executive Director. Originally appointed to the ADB in January 2024 for a three-year term, Sheel was released ahead of schedule at the request of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take up his new assignment in Raipur.
He is expected to return to Chhattisgarh next week. His wife, Nidhi Chhibber, also a 1994-batch IAS officer, will be returning to the state after completing her own central deputation.
Profile: Vikas Sheel – A Technocrat with Global Exposure
Born in June 1969 and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Vikas Sheel holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. Initially allotted to the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he opted for Chhattisgarh following the state’s formation in 2000.
Over the course of his career, Sheel has held several key administrative positions, including serving as Collector of Raipur and Bilaspur—two of the state’s most strategically significant districts. His tenure at the ADB added valuable international experience to his portfolio, further strengthening his credentials for the top bureaucratic post in the state.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Vikas Sheel’s administrative journey spans over three decades, with notable contributions both at the state and central levels:
Collector of Raipur and Bilaspur
Senior roles in departments such as Industry, Finance, Health, and General Administration
Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti
Senior positions in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
In March 2025, he was empanelled for Secretary/Secretary-equivalent grade by the Government of India, a recognition of his seniority and extensive administrative experience.
Projected to Be Third Longest-Serving Chief Secretary in State History
With approximately 3 years and 9 months remaining before his retirement, Vikas Sheel is poised to become the third longest-serving Chief Secretary in Chhattisgarh’s history, following:
Amitabh Jain – 4 years, 10 months
Vivek Dhand – 3 years, 11 months
His extended tenure is expected to provide continuity in governance, particularly as the state intensifies its focus on infrastructure development, rural upliftment, and economic modernization.
Selection Amidst Senior Contenders
Sheel’s appointment came as a surprise to many, given that several senior IAS officers were considered frontrunners for the role, including:
Renu Gonela Pillai (1991 batch)
Subrata Sahu (1992 batch)
Amit Agarwal (1993 batch)
Despite being junior in terms of batch, Sheel was reportedly selected due to his impeccable service record, diverse administrative experience, and exposure to global governance frameworks through his ADB tenure.
Transition from Amitabh Jain
Amitabh Jain, the outgoing Chief Secretary, will retire on September 30, 2025. Though speculation had circulated about a possible further extension—similar to that granted to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain—sources indicate that the Chhattisgarh government is moving forward with the leadership transition.
Post-retirement, Amitabh Jain is reportedly being considered for the role of Chief Information Commissioner of Chhattisgarh.
Chronology of Chief Secretaries Since State Formation
Vikas Sheel will become the 14th Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh since its inception in 2000. The list of predecessors includes:
Arun Kumar – Oct 30, 2000 to Jan 31, 2003
S.K. Mishra – Jan 31, 2003 to Jun 30, 2004
A.K. Vijayvargiya – Jul 1, 2004 to Nov 7, 2005
R.P. Baghi – Nov 7, 2005 to Jan 31, 2007
Shivraj Singh – Jan 31, 2007 to Jul 31, 2008
P. Joy Oommen – Jul 31, 2008 to Feb 7, 2012
Sunil Kumar – Feb 7, 2012 to Feb 28, 2014
Vivek Dhand – Feb 28, 2014 to Jan 11, 2018
Ajay Singh – Jan 11, 2018 to Jan 2, 2019
Sunil Kujur – Jan 2, 2019 to Oct 31, 2019
R.P. Mandal – Oct 31, 2019 to Nov 30, 2020
Amitabh Jain – Dec 1, 2020 to Sep 30, 2025 (with extension)
Vikas Sheel’s appointment is expected to infuse fresh energy and strategic direction into Chhattisgarh’s administrative leadership, as the state embarks on its next phase of development.
