Bhubaneswar: In a significant administrative development, the Odisha government on Saturday promoted three senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the 1996 batch to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). The promotion places them in the Apex Grade (Level-17) of the IAS pay matrix, the highest level in the state administrative hierarchy.
The officers promoted to the ACS rank are Saswata Mishra, Vishal Kumar Dev, and Usha Padhee. In addition, Veer Vikram Yadav, who is currently on central deputation, has also been granted promotion to the same rank.
With these elevations, the officers now join the top tier of the IAS cadre, reflecting the state government’s recognition of their distinguished careers and significant contributions to governance and public administration.
Officers Promoted to Additional Chief Secretary Rank
The promotions include the following officers:
- Saswata Mishra (IAS, 1996 batch)
- Vishal Kumar Dev (IAS, 1996 batch)
- Usha Padhee (IAS, 1996 batch)
- Veer Vikram Yadav (IAS, 1996 batch – on central deputation)
These promotions underscore their long-standing service and leadership across various departments at the state and central levels.
Profile: Usha Padhee
Ms Padhee is a prominent figure in Odisha’s civil services. She holds qualifications in Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and has served in several key administrative roles in the state.
In 2020, she was appointed as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), making history as the first woman officer to head the organisation. She succeeded senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana, who served as DG, BCAS, from January 2019 to August 2020. Her appointment marked a milestone in gender representation in India’s civil aviation security framework.
Promotion of Veer Vikram Yadav While on Central Deputation
The promotion of Mr Yadav has been granted under sub-rule (5) of Rule 8 of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016. This provision allows for promotions even when an officer is serving on central deputation, acknowledging his continued contribution to public administration at the national level.
Recognition of Distinguished Service
The elevation of these officers to the Additional Chief Secretary rank highlights the Odisha government’s recognition of their exceptional service, administrative experience, and leadership. As ACS-level officers, they are now positioned to shoulder greater strategic and policy-making responsibilities within the state administration.
The promotions are expected to strengthen Odisha’s senior administrative leadership and enhance governance efficiency across key sectors.
