Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday appointed retired IAS officer R. Balakrishnan as Principal Advisor, Special Initiatives.
According to a government notification, Balakrishnan will look after the functioning of the Special Development Council, Tribal Museum, Crafts Museum, Heritage Cabinet and Odia University and report directly to the Chief Minister.
The job of the 1984-batch IAS officer, who retired on November 30 this year as the Development Commissioner, will be honorary. He was reportedly offered remuneration but declined, sources said.
To facilitate his assignment, he will be provided with an office with supporting staff, vehicle and quarters for accommodation.
His appointment will come into effect from the date of his joining and will continue to be in force till further orders.
However, his job will be on par with the Chief Secretary with all benefits.
Normally retired bureaucrats are not given positions equal in rank to chief secretary. This has raised eyebrows in administrative circles, the sources added.
