In a fresh bureaucratic reshuffle, the Government of Odisha has promoted two senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers to the rank of Special Secretary on an ad hoc basis.
The move, notified by the General Administration & Public Grievances Department today, comes pending finalisation of the select list by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC).
Rajesh Kumar Agarwala, currently serving as OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary to Government, Labour & ESI Department (in charge of Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell), has been elevated to Special Secretary to Government, Labour & ESI Department. His earlier posting as Additional Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell (CMGC) has been officially cancelled.
In the second key appointment, Manas Ranjan Samal, OAS (SAG), Additional Director, Estates and Additional Secretary to Government, G.A. & P.G. Department, will continue as Director, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, following the retirement of the incumbent Director, Dr Bijay Bhusan Nanda.
The notification states that both promotions are in Level-17 of the Pay Matrix as per ORSP Rules 2017 and will remain effective for a period not exceeding one year or until OPSC recommendations or retirement, whichever is earlier.
The orders are subject to the final verdict of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in related cases, including SLP(C) No.35608-35610 of 2010 (Gahadu Mirdha Vs. State of Odisha and others).
These promotions are expected to strengthen key departments handling labour welfare, economic planning, and statistical governance in the state.
