Bhubaneswar: Nikunja Bihari Dhal, a 1993 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. He will hold this position in the rank and pay of a Secretary to the Government of India.
This appointment serves as a precursor to Shri Dhal taking over the charge of Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, upon the superannuation of the current Secretary, Umang Narula.
Shri Narula, a 1989 batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, will retire from his services on June 30, 2025.
Shri Dhal’s early appointment as OSD will likely facilitate a smooth transition of responsibilities within the crucial ministry.
In another significant reshuffle, Hari Ranjan Rao, a 1994 batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Shri Rao will succeed Sujata Chaturvedi, a 1989 batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, who has been appointed as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Shri Rao’s experience in the Prime Minister’s Office is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the development and promotion of sports in the country.
These appointments are effective immediately, with Shri Dhal set to assume the full responsibilities of Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, on July 1, 2025.
The changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure efficient and effective leadership across key ministries.