Odisha has reshuffled responsibilities among four senior IAS officers, changing the leadership of departments overseeing drinking water, Panchayati Raj, health, finance and urban administration, according to a report by The Samaja. The changes include new assignments for Rupa Mishra, Girish SN, Ashwathi S and Bishnupada Sethi.
Rupa Mishra has been appointed secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department after returning from central deputation. The department is responsible for administrative oversight of rural local governance and drinking water-related functions in the state.
Girish SN, who was serving as secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, has been assigned the health and family welfare portfolio. He replaces Ashwathi S, who has been moved from the health department.
Ashwathi S has been appointed special secretary in the Finance Department. She will also hold additional charge as chief executive officer of City Odisha, according to the report. The assignment places her in charge of responsibilities linked to the state’s urban administration while also giving her a role in financial governance.
The reshuffle also changes the position of Bishnupada Sethi. He has been removed as chairman of the FDC and appointed officer on special duty in the General Administration Department. The report does not provide further details about the reasons for the change or the specific scope of his new responsibilities.
The appointments affect departments that manage essential public systems. Drinking water and Panchayati Raj functions are closely linked to service delivery through local institutions, while the health and family welfare department administers public health programmes and services. The Finance Department oversees the allocation and release of funds for government operations and schemes.
The additional charge given to Ashwathi S as CEO of City Odisha also brings an urban governance role into the reshuffle. The report does not specify whether the new assignment will involve any immediate changes to ongoing city programmes, staffing or project timelines.
The changes come into effect as part of the state government’s latest administrative rearrangement. Further details on the formal order, joining dates and the operating responsibilities attached to the additional charge were not included in the report.
