2016-Batch Officer to Lead Key Climate and Tech Portfolios in Strategic State Move
In a major administrative decision, the Chhattisgarh government has entrusted IFS officer Mayank Agrawal (2016 batch) with dual responsibilities, signaling a strategic focus on climate governance and digital transformation.
According to an official order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Agrawal has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Directorate of Forest and Climate Change, Raipur. In addition, he will hold additional charge as COO of CHiPS (Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society)—the state’s nodal agency for driving e-governance and IT initiatives.
The order, signed by Deputy Secretary Anshika Pandey, was issued in the name of the Governor of Chhattisgarh, with directions for immediate assumption of duties. All concerned departments have been officially informed.
Agrawal to Spearhead Forest and IT Governance
Mr. Agrawal, who is currently serving with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the Centre, is widely regarded for his technical expertise and administrative capabilities. His return to Chhattisgarh is being seen as a strategic deployment aimed at strengthening two vital domains—environmental management and technological innovation.
In addition to his COO roles, Agrawal has also been appointed Joint Secretary in the Department of Good Governance, underscoring the government’s confidence in his cross-sectoral leadership skills.
Why This Appointment Matters
Chhattisgarh, known for its rich forest cover and ecological diversity, is placing increasing emphasis on climate resilience, sustainability, and forest resource management. The Department of Forest and Climate Change plays a pivotal role in this agenda, and Agrawal’s appointment is expected to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning.
Simultaneously, CHiPS, functioning under the Department of Information Technology, is central to the state’s digital governance roadmap, including smart service delivery, technology adoption, and public-facing digital initiatives. Placing an officer with central experience in climate policy at the helm signals an integrated governance approach that blends sustainability with innovation.
Immediate Effect and Strategic Alignment
The GAD has emphasized the immediacy and significance of the appointment, instructing that Mr. Agrawal assume charge without delay. This reshuffle aligns with Chhattisgarh’s broader goal of leveraging centrally trained officers for impactful execution at the state level, particularly in areas of governance that demand interdisciplinary insight and forward-thinking leadership.
