Vikas Sheel Appointed Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh | 26 Sep 2025

Why in News?

Vikas Sheel, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the 13th Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, succeeding Amitabh Jain, who will retire on 30th September 2025.

• He has held key positions, including Collector of Raipur and Bilaspur districts, Secretary in various state departments, and is currently serving as an advisor to the Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Key Facts About Chief Secretary

• Origin: The office of the Chief Secretary in India originated during British rule in 1799 under Lord Wellesley and has since become integral to the state's administration. 
  • The Chief Secretary serves as the highest-ranking civil servant in a state, overseeing the state Secretariat and coordinating government functions.
• Appointment and Status: The Chief Secretary is appointed by the Chief Minister (in the name of the Governor of the state) from senior IAS officers based on factors like seniority, merit, and trust. 
  • The office was standardized in 1973 to equate it with the position of Secretary to the Government of India. 
• Powers and Functions:
  • Advisor to Chief Minister: Acts as the principal advisor on matters of state administration and provides guidance on policy issues.
  • Secretary to the Cabinet: Prepares the Cabinet meeting agenda, records proceedings, and oversees decision implementation.
  • Head of Civil Service: Oversees appointments, transfers, and promotions within the state civil service and maintains the morale of civil servants.
  • Chief Coordinator: Ensures inter-departmental coordination, presides over coordination committees, and resolves disputes between departments.
  • Head of Certain Departments: Directly manages key departments such as General Administration, Personnel, and Planning.
  • Crisis Administrator: Leads relief operations during crises like floods, droughts, and communal disturbances, representing the state government during emergencies.