In a move that has taken many bureaucratic and political observers by surprise, senior IAS officer Vikas Sheel (IAS:1994:CG) is tipped to be appointed the next Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh. An official announcement is expected shortly.
Sheel is set to replace Amitabh Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, whose extended tenure as Chief Secretary concludes on September 30, 2025.
Currently serving as Executive Director (India) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Sheel assumed the prestigious international posting in January 2024 for a three-year term. However, sources confirm that he has already been relieved from the position, signaling his imminent return to the state cadre for this crucial assignment.
An Unexpected Choice Among Senior Contenders
Sheel’s elevation has surprised many within bureaucratic circles, as his name was not initially among the frontrunners. The succession buzz had largely focused on Renu Gonela Pillay (IAS:1991:CG), Subrat Sahoo (IAS:1992:CG), Amit Agrawal (IAS:1993:CG), and Manoj Pingua (IAS:1994:CG).
According to senior officials, Sheel’s reputation for delivery-driven governance and the strong confidence he enjoys from both the Centre and the Chhattisgarh leadership have been decisive factors in his selection.
Transition at ADB: Satya Srinivas Steps In
Sheel’s return coincides with a parallel appointment at the ADB. On September 14, 2025, the government named L. Satya Srinivas (IRS-C&IT:1991), currently Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the new Executive Director (India) at ADB, effectively paving the way for Sheel’s repatriation.
Career Highlights of Vikas Sheel
Over his three-decade career, Sheel has held several pivotal assignments at both the state and central levels. Prior to his Manila posting, he served as Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, where he was instrumental in driving nationwide efforts to expand rural water supply coverage.
Recognized for his technocratic expertise, policy acumen, and execution skills, Sheel is expected to bring a renewed emphasis on performance-oriented administration in Chhattisgarh as the state pursues its post-election development agenda.
Next Steps
While the official notification is awaited, sources indicate that Vikas Sheel is likely to assume charge as Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh in early October 2025, immediately after Amitabh Jain’s retirement.
