Part of Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle Involving 41 Senior-Level Appointments
In a key move under a wider bureaucratic reshuffle, Vineel Krishna Ravella, a 2005-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Krishna, who currently serves as Commissioner, Land Records and Settlement in Odisha, is widely recognized for his leadership in public administration and development policy.
Appointment Approved by Cabinet Panel
His appointment is part of a broader realignment of senior officials, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which recently cleared the postings of 41 senior officers to Joint Secretary-level positions across various Union ministries and departments.
Five-Year Tenure in the Sports Ministry
As per the official notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Krishna will serve in this role for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge, or until further orders.
A Proven Record in Sports and Governance
Krishna has held several prominent roles in the Odisha government, including:
Special Secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department
During his tenure, he played a central role in transforming Odisha into a nationally acclaimed hub for sports development. His initiatives included the creation of world-class hockey stadiums, implementation of youth outreach programs, and the establishment of systems for identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
Strengthening National Sports Administration
Krishna’s return to the national sports policy arena is seen as a strategic decision, aimed at leveraging his prior experience in state-level sports administration. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to the planning and execution of national-level sports initiatives, especially as India prepares for upcoming international sporting events.
Reform-Focused Appointment
The Centre’s decision to induct Krishna is being viewed as part of a larger effort to bring reform-oriented officers with sector-specific experience into policymaking roles. His background in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and youth-centric programming is anticipated to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity for innovation and delivery.
