Odisha Elevates Two Senior IAS Officers to Apex Grade
The Government of Odisha has announced year‑end promotions for two senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, marking a significant boost to the state’s bureaucratic leadership.
Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, a 1996‑batch IAS officer from the Regular Recruitment cadre, has been promoted to the Apex Grade under Level‑17 of the IAS Pay Matrix.
His elevation, effective January 1, 2026, places him in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary. He will continue in his current position until further notice.
In a parallel development, Sushil Kumar Lohani, a 1995‑batch IAS officer, has been granted proforma promotion to the same Apex Grade under Rule 8(5) of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016.
The notification, issued by the General Administration & Public Grievance Department, underscores Odisha’s commitment to recognising exemplary service and strengthening its administrative framework.
These promotions come amid a series of year‑end changes, including Anu Garg’s historic appointment as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary and Puri’s upgrade to a Municipal Corporation.
