Aditya Padhi replaces Gokul Pati as Odisha Chief Secretary

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 28:

Putting an end to all speculation, Odisha Government announced 1983 batch IAS officer Aditya Prasad Padhi as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha.

An announcement on this context was made late this evening following the approval of the Chief Minister. He would assume office replacing incumbent Chief Secretary Gokul Pati after he superannuates on November 30.

“I am very happy over the appointment. I will emphasize on successful implementation of various government schemes. Key areas of focus will be handling drought situation, rural housing and electrification. Besides, health, education and employment generation would be top priorities,” said Padhi.

“The focus areas of the government are the focus areas for me too. We have already started implementing the programs the government announced after coming to power in 2014. We conduct reviews of progress made on such projects. I will keep make them a priority,” he added.

Currently the Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Padhi was tipped to be the next Chief Secretary of the state.

Having started his career from backward Bolangir district, he has a long experience in dealing with various bottlenecks obstructing development. One of the most senior IAS officers in the state, he has successfully served in various crucial roles including the positions such as Development Commissioner and Home Secretary.

He has also been working in the Chief Minister’s Office since 2010. Besides, he played a significant role during the Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath. In the good-books of most in the power corridor, Padhi has been a proven trouble-shooter for Naveen Government on various occasions. He is expected to be an asset for the BJD government given his good connections at the center.

Among other changes in the IAS circle this evening, Padhi’s main competitor for the top post Upendranath Behera has been appointed as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister. Senior IAS Vishal Dev has been appointed as Special Secretary of Finance with additional charge of secretary, Women and Child Development and R Balakrishnan has been given the additional charge as Development Commissioner.