In a significant move nearly a month after taking office, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has restructured the state?s top bureaucracy, transferring two influential bureaucrats who were prominent under the previous BJD government. This reshuffle signals a strategic shift in governance as Majhi?s administration prepares to introduce its first budget in the state assembly on July 25.
G. Mathivathanan, who served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for over 11 years, has been reassigned as the Director General of the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration. This institution is pivotal in training Odisha Administrative Service officers. Mathivathanan, originally from Tamil Nadu, was known for his close association with VK Pandian, former private secretary to ex-CM Naveen Patnaik.
R. Vineel Krishna, previously the Special Secretary in the Chief Minister?s Office and a key figure in the sports sector under Patnaik?s administration, has been appointed as the Commissioner of Land Records and Settlement. Vineel, a native of Andhra Pradesh, played a crucial role in implementing major sports projects, including the construction of the hockey stadium in Rourkela. His transfer is seen as a significant move, considering sports was a major focus area for the previous government.
The reshuffle doesn?t stop there. Finance Secretary Vishal Dev has been moved to the Electronics and IT Department. His transfer comes at a critical time as the new government gears up to present its financial blueprint for the state. In his place, Senior Bureaucrat Saswat Mishra, who is currently the Secretary to the Governor, will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Finance Department along with the Energy Department. Mishra also holds the position of Chairman of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission, indicating his expanded role within the administration.
Nikunja Bihari Dhal, recently appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Majhi, has been given a crucial assignment as the Chairman of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO). This organization is instrumental in land allotment for industrial projects, underscoring the administration?s focus on industrial development. Dhal?s appointment follows the previous Industries Secretary Hemant Sharma, who was also the Chairman of IDCO. Sharma will continue in his role as Industries Secretary and has been given additional charge of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department, reflecting a continuity of expertise in these crucial sectors.
These administrative changes are seen as Chief Minister Majhi?s effort to align the state?s bureaucratic machinery with his governance priorities. The strategic repositioning of key officials is expected to drive efficiency and implement new policies effectively. Observers note that this reshuffle is a clear indication of Majhi?s approach to fostering a dynamic and responsive administration.
