TNI Bureau: Senior IAS officer Deoranjan Kumar Singh assumed charge as the Development Commissioner of Odisha following a major reshuffle at the top administrative level. His appointment comes after the incumbent, Anu Garg, took over as the Chief Secretary of the State, becoming the first woman to hold the post.

A 1993-batch IAS officer, Singh took charge at the Development Commissioner’s office under the Planning and Convergence Department. He has also been allowed to continue as Additional Chief Secretary in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. In addition, he has been entrusted with the charge of the Planning and Convergence Department.

The state government effected the reshuffle a day after Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as Chief Secretary, appointing Singh as the next Development Commissioner as part of efforts to strengthen administrative coordination.

The post of Development Commissioner is a key position in the state administration, responsible for coordinating overall development planning, ensuring convergence of resources, and monitoring the implementation of major government programmes. The role also involves framing and executing both short-term and long-term strategies for the sustainable development of the State.

With the additional charge of the Planning and Convergence Department, Singh’s responsibilities have expanded further, aimed at ensuring a more integrated and scientific approach to Odisha’s development agenda.

Besides these roles, Singh will continue to hold several other important assignments, including Member of the Board of Revenue, Special Relief Commissioner, Managing Director of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, and Chairman of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation.

The reshuffle reflects the State government’s strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and streamline key responsibilities as Odisha moves into 2026.