The Government of Odisha has relieved three senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from their state duties to enable their appointment to key positions in the Central Government. The General Administration and Public Grievance Department issued the notifications on Friday.
According to official orders dated October 10, 2025, the officers relieved are Shalini Pandit, Samarth Verma, and Swadha Dev Singh. Their release will take effect from the afternoon of October 13, 2025, following approval from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.
Shalini Pandit Appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance
Shalini Pandit (IAS, Odisha cadre, 2001 batch), currently serving as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the School and Mass Education Department, also holds the additional charge of the Department of Mission Shakti.
She has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance. Her tenure will last for five years from the date she assumes charge or until further orders.
Samarth Verma to Join Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Samarth Verma (IAS, Odisha cadre, 2011 batch), who serves as Director of Minor Minerals and Managing Director of Odisha Film Development Corporation, has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in New Delhi.
His central assignment falls under the Central Staffing Scheme and will continue for five years from his joining date, or until further orders.
Swadha Dev Singh Named Director of Census Operations, RGI
Swadha Dev Singh (IAS, Odisha cadre, 2014 batch), currently Managing Director of Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation Ltd. and Additional Secretary in the Water Resources Department, has been selected as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR) at the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), New Delhi.
Her initial tenure is valid until December 31, 2025, with a possibility of extension as per the Central Staffing Scheme.
The orders, issued by order of the Governor and signed by Additional Secretary Debasis Singh, highlight Odisha’s ongoing administrative coordination with the central government. These moves are aimed at strengthening national-level initiatives while creating space for administrative restructuring within the state.
