In a surprise development, Vikas Sheel (IAS:1994:CG) is tipped to be the next Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, with a formal announcement expected soon. He is currently serving as Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Manila, a position he assumed in January 2024 for a three-year tenure. Sheel will take over from incumbent Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, whose three-month extension is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
The development has surprised many in bureaucratic circles, as Sheel’s name was not among the expected frontrunners. Until now, the main contenders were believed to be Renu Gonela Pillay (IAS:1991:CG), Subrat Sahoo (IAS:1992:CG), Amit Agrawal (IAS:1993:CG), and Manoj Pingua (IAS:1994:CG). However, officials suggest that Sheel’s delivery-focused approach and the confidence he enjoys from both central and state leadership tilted the scales in his favor.
Sources indicate that Sheel has already been relieved from his ADB role, paving the way for his new assignment. In a connected development, the government appointed L Satya Srinivas (IRS-C&IT:1991), Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as Executive Director (India) at ADB on September 14, 2025.
Before his ADB posting, Sheel served as Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, where he played a key role in advancing the Centre’s flagship water supply program.
Also Read: L Satya Srinivas appointed as Executive Director (India), ADB
Also Read: IAS officer Vikas Sheel appointed ED of Asian Development Bank
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