Chhattisgarh Government Transfers 3 IAS Officers: Akash Chhikara Appointed Bastar Collector, Key Roles in Education and Urban Development Reassigned
Major IAS Reshuffle in Chhattisgarh
The General Administration Department (GAD) of the Chhattisgarh government has announced a significant administrative reshuffle, assigning new responsibilities to three IAS officers. The changes, formally notified in the name of the Governor, took effect on January 21, 2026, and reflect the state’s focus on strengthening governance in district administration, education, and urban development.
IAS Akash Chhikara Appointed Bastar Collector
Akash Chhikara (IAS, 2017 batch) has been appointed as the Collector of Bastar, one of Chhattisgarh’s most strategically important districts.
Prior to this posting, he served as Joint Secretary in the Housing and Environment Department, while also holding additional charges of the Raipur Development Authority (RDA) and the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRANDA).
His appointment is seen as a crucial move, given Bastar’s tribal, socio-economic, and developmental significance.
IAS Kiran Kaushal Given Charge of Samagra Shiksha
Kiran Kaushal (IAS, 2009 batch) has been entrusted with a key role in the education sector.
She will continue as Secretary, Ministry, while being temporarily posted as Commissioner, Samagra Shiksha.
Additionally, she has been given charge as Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation.
The government clarified that the post of Commissioner, Samagra Shiksha will be treated as an equivalent cadre post under IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016, ensuring parity in prestige and responsibility.
This move is expected to strengthen integrated school education programmes across the state.
IAS Avnish Sharan Gets Additional Charge of RDA CEO
Avnish Sharan (IAS, 2009 batch) has been assigned an additional responsibility in urban governance.
He currently holds charge as Commissioner, Town and Country Planning and Commissioner, Housing Board.
He will now also serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raipur Development Authority (RDA), effective January 21, 2026.
His expanded role is aimed at improving urban planning and infrastructure development in Raipur.
Focus Areas of the Reshuffle
The latest administrative changes highlight the Chhattisgarh government’s priorities:
Strengthening district administration in sensitive regions like Bastar.
Enhancing urban planning and infrastructure development in Raipur.
Improving governance and quality of school education under the Samagra Shiksha framework.
By allocating additional responsibilities to experienced IAS officers, the government seeks to ensure administrative efficiency and coordinated decision-making across departments.
