In a proactive administrative push ahead of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, the Odisha Government has deployed 13 experienced officers as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to Puri.
Their mission: assist the district administration in delivering a smooth, safe, and grand Rath Yatra 2026.
The General Administration & Public Grievance Department issued the order on June 24, 2026, in continuation of an earlier directive. The officers will serve from June 25 to July 27, 2026, and have been directed to report to the Collector & DM, Puri, on June 25 for further instructions.
The Rath Yatra — the iconic annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — draws millions of devotees to Puri every year. This timely deployment of senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers from key departments reflects the state government’s commitment to efficient crowd management, logistics, and overall coordination during the mega event.
Officers Deployed
The 13 officers represent a strong mix of experience across departments:
- Subhananda Mohapatra, OAS (SAG), Director, Housing-cum-ex-Officio Additional Secretary, H&UD Department
- Suvash Chandra Nathsharma, OAS (SAG), Additional SRC, Office of the SRC, Odisha
- Bijaya Kumar Swain, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Sports & YS Department
- Niti Ranjan Sen, OAS (SAG), MD, Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd.
- Debasish Patnaik, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Excise Department
- Subrat Kumar Behera, OAS Gr.A (SB), Deputy Secretary, HT&H Department
- Jitendra Kumar Nayak, OAS Gr.A (SB), Additional EO, Zilla Parishad, Nayagarh
- Bijay Kumar Nayak, OAS Gr.A (SB), Land Officer, IDCO, Bhubaneswar
- Subrat Kumar Jena, OAS Gr.A (SB), Land Officer, IDCO, Bhubaneswar
- Bijaya Kumar Behera, OAS Gr.A (SB), Additional EO, Zilla Parishad, Ganjam
- Kishor Kumar Panda, OAS Gr.A (SB), Additional EO, Zilla Parishad, Bargarh
- Manoj Kumar Behera, OAS Gr.A (SB), Deputy Secretary, Tourism Department
- Hemanta Bharimal, OAS Gr.A (JB), Land Officer, Office of the Commissioner of Endowment, Odisha
Controlling authorities have been instructed to relieve the officers immediately so they can join their duties in Puri on time.
This strategic move underscores Odisha’s tradition of meticulous planning for the sacred Rath Yatra, ensuring the centuries-old festival continues to inspire devotees while upholding the highest standards of safety and organisation.
