Nikunja Bihari Dhal, New Chief Electoral Officer Of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a minor reshuffle among IAS officers by the Odisha government on Friday, Nikunja Bihari Dhal has been appointed as Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state.

A notification of the Election Commission of India (ECI), released by the General Administration and Public Grievance (GA&PG) department, said, “The ECI in consultation with the Odisha government designates Nikunja Bihari Dhal as the Chief Electoral Officer of the state with effect from the date he assumes charge and until further orders in place of Sushil Kumar Lohani.”

The ECI further stated that Dhal will hand over the charges of all works under Odisha government before assumption of office as CEO.

In other changes, the GA&PG department stated that Satyarata Sahu, additional chief secretary, revenue and Disaster Management department will remain in additional charge of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

Similarly, Sushil Kumar Lohani, principal secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department, will remain in additional charge of principal secretary, Excise department.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, principal secretary, Rural Development department will remain in additional charge of principal secretary, Energy department.

Gyanaranjan Das, executive director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority will remain in charge of managing director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority.