Bhubaneswar: In a significant administrative development as of February 28, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the empanelment of Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma and Shrimati Shubha Sarma for holding posts at the rank of Additional Secretary (Equivalent) at the Centre. Both the Mandarins are distinguished members of the 1999 batch of the Indian Administrative Service from the Odisha cadre.
Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma is currently serving as the Principal Secretary to the Government in the Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Excise Departments. He also holds important additional responsibilities as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited and Chairman of the Odisha State Beverages Corporation Limited.
Throughout his tenure, he has been recognized an honest and hardworking Mandarin and known for his strategic leadership in power transmission and environmental conservation, balancing industrial growth with ecological sustainability.
Shrimati Shubha Sarma has recently transitioned to the role of Principal Secretary in the Water Resources Department. Known for her meticulous approach to public administration and social welfare, she has previously made significant contributions to the Women and Child Development, Handloom, Textiles and Handicraft sector. Her current focus on water resource management is seen as a vital step in strengthening the state’s agricultural and rural infrastructure.
The empanelment of these two IAS officers is a testament to their dedication, professional integrity, and consistent track record of excellence in the Odisha Bureaucracy. Their inclusion in the list for Additional Secretary rank positions at the Centre reflects their readiness to contribute to national-level policy-making and governance.