By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA|Abul Hasan| Chhattisgarh witnessed a defining moment in its administrative journey when Vikassheel, a 1994-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as the 13th Chief Secretary of the state at the Mantralaya, Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur. With his arrival at the helm, the corridors of governance are abuzz with anticipation of a new era of efficiency, vision, and progressive leadership.

Vikassheel is not just an officer; he is an institution of ideas, shaped by decades of diverse experiences at state, national, and international levels. His elevation to the top bureaucratic position is seen as a natural culmination of a career marked by dedication, brilliance, and an unflinching commitment to public service.

Born on June 10, 1969, Vikassheel’s academic journey speaks volumes of his quest for knowledge. An Electrical Engineer with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the discipline, he further enriched his intellectual horizons by pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration and Executive Master’s degree from the prestigious Syracuse University, USA. His advanced studies in health services management and policy are reflective of his foresight in marrying technical expertise with administrative acumen.

From his early years as Collector of Korea, Bilaspur, and Raipur, to his impactful roles as Secretary in key departments like School Education, Food and Civil Supplies, General Administration, and Health, Vikassheel consistently demonstrated an ability to blend policy with people-centric execution. His tenure as Raipur Collector between 2007 and 2008 remains etched in public memory for his hands-on approach, sensitivity to citizen needs, and capacity to drive development at the grassroots.

His journey went beyond state boundaries when he embarked on central deputation, making a mark in the Union Government with his stewardship of the flagship Jal Jeevan Mission in the Ministry of Jal Shakti. As Mission Director, he played a pivotal role in expanding access to safe drinking water and ensuring a sustainable model of service delivery, leaving behind a legacy of systemic reform and innovation. His assignments in the Ministry of Health and at the Asian Development Bank in Manila further honed his global perspective, equipping him with insights into international best practices in governance and development.

Colleagues and peers describe Vikassheel as a bureaucrat who combines intellectual depth with humane administration. His decisions are rooted in empathy, his strategies grounded in pragmatism, and his vision aligned with progress. With his appointment as Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh is expected to witness a renewed thrust on transparency, inclusive growth, and futuristic reforms.

As he assumes the state’s highest bureaucratic office, there is a quiet confidence that Vikassheel’s leadership will not merely manage governance but elevate it to a higher plane of innovation and accountability. His journey so far is a testament to the fact that true administrators do not just serve—they inspire, transform, and leave indelible imprints on the sands of time.

In Vikassheel, Chhattisgarh has not only found a new Chief Secretary but also a visionary navigator, ready to steer the state into a promising future.