Raipur: In a move that has surprised many within bureaucratic and political circles, Vikas Sheel (IAS:1994:CG) is tipped to become the next Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, with an official announcement expected shortly.
Mr Sheel will replace Mr Amitabh Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, whose extended tenure as Chief Secretary is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
Mr Sheel is currently serving as Executive Director (India) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, a high-profile international posting he assumed in January 2024 for a three-year term. However, sources confirm that Mr Sheel has already been relieved from his ADB role, signaling his return to the state cadre for this critical assignment.
Unexpected Choice Amid Senior Contenders
The development has caught many off-guard, as IAS Sheel’s name was not initially among the top contenders. Until now, bureaucratic buzz centered around Renu Gonela Pillay (IAS:1991:CG), Subrat Sahoo (IAS:1992:CG), Amit Agrawal (IAS:1993:CG), and Manoj Pingua (IAS:1994:CG) as likely successors.
According to senior officials, Mr Sheel’s track record of delivery-focused governance and the confidence he enjoys from both the Centre and the Chhattisgarh state leadership appear to have played a decisive role in the unexpected elevation.
Transition at ADB: Satya Srinivas Steps In
IAS Sheel’s impending return coincides with a new appointment at the ADB. On September 14, 2025, the government named L Satya Srinivas (IRS-C&IT:1991), currently Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the new Executive Director (India) at ADB, effectively paving the way for Sheel’s repatriation.
Career Highlights of Vikas Sheel
Mr Sheel has held several important roles at both the state and central levels. Before his stint at ADB, he served as Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, where he played a key leadership role in expanding rural water supply access across the country.
Known for his technocratic acumen and policy execution skills, Mr Sheel’s appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on performance-driven administration in Chhattisgarh as the state navigates post-election development priorities.
Next Steps
While an official government notification is awaited, sources suggest that Mr Sheel will assume charge as Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh in early October 2025, following Mr Amitabh Jain’s retirement.
