The Chhattisgarh government has carried out a key administrative reshuffle, assigning new responsibilities to three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, including the appointment of a new District Collector for Bastar. The orders were issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) in the name of the Governor and took effect from January 21, 2026.
Akash Chhikara Takes Charge as Bastar Collector
As per the official notification, Akash Chhikara has been appointed as Collector of Bastar, a district of major administrative and strategic importance in Chhattisgarh.
Before this posting, Chhikara was serving as Joint Secretary in the Housing and Environment Department. He was also holding additional charge of the Raipur Development Authority (RDA) and the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRANDA). His move to Bastar is seen as a significant decision, given the district’s tribal population, development needs, and governance challenges.
Kiran Kaushal Given Charge of Samagra Shiksha
In the education sector, Kiran Kaushal has been entrusted with additional responsibilities related to school education.
While continuing as Secretary, Ministry, she has been temporarily posted as Commissioner, Samagra Shiksha. She has also been given additional charge as Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation.
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The government clarified that the post of Commissioner, Samagra Shiksha will be treated as an equivalent cadre post under the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening the implementation of integrated school education programmes across the state.
Avnish Sharan Gets Additional Charge of RDA CEO
The reshuffle also assigns new urban development responsibilities to Avnish Sharan.
Sharan, who is already holding additional charge as Commissioner, Town and Country Planning and Commissioner, Housing Board, has now been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Raipur Development Authority (RDA). This arrangement will also be effective from January 21, 2026.
Focus on Governance and Service Delivery
Officials said the latest reshuffle reflects the state government’s focus on:
- Strengthening district administration in sensitive regions like Bastar
- Improving urban planning and infrastructure development in Raipur
- Enhancing governance and outcomes in school education under Samagra Shiksha
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By assigning key roles and additional charges to experienced officers, the government aims to ensure better coordination, faster decision-making, and improved delivery of public services.
The GAD order formalising these changes has been issued with immediate effect, according to the notification.