Administrative Elevation in Odisha: Four 1996-Batch IAS Officers Promoted to Additional Chief Secretary Rank
In a major bureaucratic rejig aimed at strengthening the top-tier leadership of the state, the Government of Odisha has officially promoted four senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the 1996 batch to the prestigious rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). This elevation places these officers in the Apex Grade (Level-17) of the IAS pay matrix, the highest operational tier within the state’s administrative framework.
The Apex Grade: A Recognition of Distinguished Leadership
The officers promoted to the ACS rank have consistently demonstrated excellence across various sectors of governance. The list includes:
Saswata Mishra: A seasoned administrator known for his strategic oversight in key state departments.
Vishal Kumar Dev: Recognized for his pivotal roles in sports infrastructure and tourism development in Odisha.
Usha Padhee: A high-profile officer with extensive experience in both state and central governance.
Veer Vikram Yadav: Currently serving on central deputation, he has been granted a pro-forma promotion under the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016, acknowledging his national-level contributions.
Spotlight: Usha Padhee’s Trailblazing Career
Among the promotees, Usha Padhee stands out for her historic contributions to Indian civil aviation. With a dual background in Engineering (B.E.) and Public Administration (M.P.A.), her career is marked by several “firsts.”
Gender Milestone: In 2020, Padhee became the first woman to serve as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
National Impact: Taking over from senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana, her tenure at BCAS was instrumental in enhancing India’s aviation security protocols.
State Leadership: Her elevation to ACS rank further solidifies her role as a key architect of Odisha’s future policy initiatives.
Administrative Significance of the Promotion
This move is more than a routine pay-grade upgrade; it signifies a transition of these officers into the highest policy-making echelons of the state.
Rule-Based Promotion: The inclusion of Veer Vikram Yadav highlights the application of Sub-rule (5) of Rule 8 (IAS Pay Rules), ensuring that officers serving the Union Government are not bypassed for their career milestones within their home cadre.
Strategic Governance: As Additional Chief Secretaries, these officers will now oversee larger clusters of departments, facilitating better inter-departmental coordination and faster execution of the state’s flagship programs.
Pay Matrix Evolution: Level-17 (Apex Grade) is reserved for officers who have completed nearly three decades of service, reflecting their vast institutional memory and leadership maturity.
Impact on Odisha’s Governance
By filling these top-level vacancies with experienced 1996-batch officers, the Odisha government is preparing for a new phase of administrative efficiency. Their leadership is expected to be particularly vital in sectors such as industrialization, disaster management, and social welfare, where Odisha has been a national leader.
