New Delhi (26.02.2023): The Govt of Odisha on Sunday appointed Pradeep Kumar Jena (IAS:1989:OR) as the new Chief Secretary of the state. He will replace outgoing chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra (IAS:1986:OD) who is retiring on February 28, 2023. Jena may have ten month-long tenure as CS as he will retire on December 31.12.2023. He may get a further extension in service but a section of senior officials say that the Naveen Kumar Patnaik Government does not prefer extending CS’ term though SC Mahapatra was an exception.

Currently, Jena is serving as the Development Commissioner. He is considered the number two position in the state’s bureaucratic hierarchy. He will continue as the Special Relief Commissioner of the state.

Mrs Anu Garg (IAS:1991:OR), currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the water resources department, will replace Jena as the new development commissioner. She will continue to serve as the water resources department ACS.

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