Odisha bureaucracy Archives - Odisha Connect

Higher Salary, Lower Post: Works Department Engineers Promoted as EICs but Made to Work as Chief Engineers

OdishaConnect — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:32:30 +0000

More than two-and-a-half years after the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi came to power in Odisha, questions are being raised over whether the administration has been able to break free from the bureaucratic style that allegedly dominated during the previous BJD government under Naveen Patnaik.

One of the most striking examples, critics allege, can be seen in the state Works Department, which plays a crucial role in Odisha’s infrastructure development.

Several engineers have reportedly been promoted to the rank of Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) and are receiving the salary and other benefits attached to the higher post. However, instead of being posted as EICs, some have been directed to continue working in lower-ranking positions of Chief Engineer.

This has raised concerns over promotions without corresponding postings and responsibilities.

Eight EIC Posts, But Several Under Additional Charge

The Works Department has eight sanctioned posts of Engineer-in-Chief. Of these, three EICs are reportedly on deputation to the Rural Development Department.

The remaining five positions are meant to function under the Works Department in key areas, including Civil, DPQ, OBCC, National Highways and EIC-cum-Special Secretary.

Under the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay Rules, 2017, EICs are placed at Pay Level-17.

However, only three officers are currently handling these key responsibilities. They include Satyabrata Behera, Dhyanchand Nayak and Sameer Hota.

The situation has resulted in some officers being given additional charge of more than one department.

One EIC Handling Multiple Responsibilities

A Works Department notification dated October 17, 2025, stated that Er. Satyabrata Behera, then EIC (NH) with additional charge of EIC (Civil-cum-Roads), was transferred and posted as EIC (Civil-cum-Roads). He was also allowed to continue holding additional charge of EIC (NH) until further orders.

Similarly, a government notification dated July 31, 2026, stated that Er. Sameer Hota, EIC (DPQ), would remain in additional charge of the post of EIC-cum-Special Secretary, Works Department, until the appointment of a regular officer.

Questions are now being raised over why multiple departments are being managed through additional charges despite the availability of engineers who have already been promoted to the EIC rank.

Key Departments Without Regular EICs

The absence of regular EICs in important wings such as OBCC and National Highways has also drawn attention.

OBCC, despite being an engineering organisation, is reportedly headed by an IAS officer rather than a regular EIC.

Meanwhile, the National Highways wing is being managed as an additional responsibility by Civil EIC Satyabrata Behera.

Critics have questioned whether the sanctioned EIC posts are being utilised in accordance with the intended administrative structure.

Promoted to EIC, Continued as Chief Engineer

The issue becomes more significant in the cases of engineers who have been formally promoted to the EIC rank but continue to serve as Chief Engineers.

Engineer Priyabrata Samantara was promoted to the rank of EIC (Civil) in the Odisha Engineering Service in Pay Level-17 under the relevant service rules. However, according to a government notification dated July 20, 2026, he was allowed to continue as Chief Engineer, Buildings-I, in the Works Department.

Similarly, Jyotiranajan Satapathy was also promoted to the rank of EIC (Civil) in the higher pay level. However, he has reportedly been allowed to continue as Chief Engineer, RD&QP, under the Works Department.

Chief Engineer posts are generally placed at Pay Level-16, while EICs are placed at Pay Level-17.

Thus, engineers are allegedly receiving the financial benefits of promotion to a higher rank without being entrusted with the corresponding position and responsibilities.

Will EICs Retire as Chief Engineers?

The concern is that if the present arrangement continues, some officers promoted as EICs may retire while still functioning as Chief Engineers.

The cases of Priyabrata Samantara and Jyotiranajan Satapathy are not said to be isolated. Earlier too, engineers such as Arabinda Tripathy and Heeralal Agrawal reportedly retired while serving as Chief Engineers despite having been promoted to the EIC rank.

Such a system, critics argue, affects not only the officers concerned but also the entire gradation structure of the engineering cadre.

Allegations of Favouritism and a Continuing Old System

Questions are also being raised over why eligible officers are not being posted against their respective EIC positions while some officers continue to manage multiple departments.

Critics allege that the practice reflects favouritism and a flawed administrative system.

According to the allegations, a similar precedent was set during the previous BJD government under Naveen Patnaik, when EIC Manoranjan Mishra was reportedly allowed to manage more than one department.

The present situation has therefore triggered criticism that the Mohan Charan Majhi government is continuing the same bureaucratic system rather than reforming it.

Can the Government Break the Bureaucratic Control?

The larger question now is whether the Odisha government will review the posting and deployment of senior engineers in the Works Department.

With eligible officers available in the engineering cadre, critics argue that sanctioned EIC posts should be filled with regular appointments instead of repeatedly assigning additional charge to a few individuals.

The issue is not merely about salary or designation. It concerns administrative accountability, proper utilization of human resources and the functioning of a department responsible for major infrastructure projects across Odisha.

Whether the Mohan Charan Majhi government will intervene to correct the system or allow the existing bureaucratic arrangement to continue remains a key question.

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Anu Garg Assumes Charge as Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary

OdishaConnect — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:27:34 +0000

Senior IAS officer Anu Garg of the 1991 batch has taken charge as the Chief Secretary of Odisha, making history as the state’s first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post. She assumed responsibility from outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

In her first statement after taking charge, Anu Garg described the role as a great opportunity and challenge. She emphasized her commitment to address administrative issues proactively and to work toward a developed Odisha with a Vision 2036.

Focus on Vision 2036 and Development Goals

Chief Secretary Garg highlighted her determination to implement Vision 2036, which aims to transform Odisha into a progressive and developed state. She expressed her resolve to align state initiatives with national goals and work collaboratively with all stakeholders for the state’s overall growth.

First Act: Seeking Blessings at Puri Jagannath Temple

After assuming office, Anu Garg visited Puri to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath for her new responsibilities and for the welfare of the people of Odisha. At the temple’s Singhadwara, she was warmly welcomed by Dr. Aravind Padhi (Chief Administrator of the temple), District Collector Divyajyoti Parida, SP Prateek Singh, and members of the temple management committee.

Commitment to Public Service

Speaking about her vision, Anu Garg reiterated that she would dedicate herself to public service and governance reforms, working tirelessly to implement policies that benefit all citizens. She assured Odisha residents that the administration under her leadership would strive to create a prosperous and forward-looking Odisha.

Her historic appointment signals a progressive shift in the state bureaucracy, inspiring confidence in the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and visionary governance.

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Historic Milestone: Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary

OdishaConnect — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:23:10 +0000

In a landmark decision that breaks a long-standing glass ceiling in the state’s administrative history, the Odisha government has appointed senior IAS officer Anu Garg as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha. She will be the first woman to hold the highest bureaucratic post in the state.

Appointment Effective from January 2026

Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, is set to assume charge on January 1, 2026, following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on December 31, 2025.
The appointment order was issued on December 24 and signed by the Director of General Administration and Public Grievance, officially communicating the decision to Garg.

Over Three Decades of Administrative Experience

With more than 30 years of service in Odisha’s administration, Garg brings extensive experience across multiple sectors. She is currently serving as the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department, while also holding additional charge of the Water Resources Department.

Held Key Portfolios in State and Central Government

Throughout her distinguished career, Garg has held several senior positions, including Principal Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Labour and ESI departments. At the district level, she has served as Collector of Sambalpur and Bargarh.

At the national level, Garg has worked in the Ministries of Textiles and Health and also served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), gaining valuable experience in central policymaking.

A Milestone for Women’s Representation in Governance

Anu Garg will be the 47th Chief Secretary in Odisha’s history. Her appointment is being seen as a significant step toward enhancing women’s representation in top administrative positions in the state.

Known for her expertise in policymaking, integrated water resource management, and social sector governance, Garg is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Odisha’s development framework while steering new initiatives for inclusive and sustainable growth.

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Orissa High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to IAS Officer Bishnupada Sethi in Corruption Case

OdishaConnect — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:43:11 +0000

High Court Clears Way for CBI to Arrest Senior IAS Officer
The Orissa High Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, opening the path for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to arrest and interrogate him in a high-profile bribery case. Justice Sashikanta Mishra, while delivering the verdict, remarked that “the shadow of corruption follows those who wield power,” as the court withdrew its earlier protection order for Sethi.

Allegations of Bribery and Abuse of Power
Sethi, currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the General Administration Department, is accused of conspiring with Chanchal Kumar Mukherjee, a top executive at the government-owned Bridge and Roof Company, to extort ₹10 lakh from Santosh Maharana, owner of Penta A Studio. The alleged bribe was reportedly linked to the clearance of project bills worth ₹37 crore.

Evidence Trails and Seized Items
According to the CBI, the bribery trail broke open on December 7, 2024, when Debdatta Mahapatra—suspected of being a middleman—was caught red-handed with cash in front of witnesses. Subsequent searches revealed luxury items allegedly gifted to Sethi’s daughter, including a MacBook and a high-end watch worth ₹1.46 lakh, recovered from her out-of-state college hostel.

Forensic Voice Match and Destroyed Devices
The CBI claims forensic analysis confirms Sethi’s voice on audio recordings pressuring Mahapatra for the bribe, using Mukherjee’s phone. Investigators also allege that Sethi operated a WhatsApp account in Mahapatra’s name. During a raid, Sethi allegedly destroyed two iPhones. Meanwhile, his wife declined to disclose the contents of two vacant lockers, prompting further investigation.

Family Under Scrutiny, Career in Question
The corruption scandal has now engulfed Sethi’s family, with his daughter also seeking legal protection. Once considered a reliable bureaucrat with decades of service, Sethi now faces the possible collapse of his career. With mounting evidence and heightened public scrutiny, the case signals a broader reckoning for Odisha’s administrative system, long accused of deep-rooted corruption.

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