Surjit Kumar Dhal, Bhubaneswar, August 16: the speculation over appointment of new Chief Secretary to replace Aditya Prasad Padhi ended on Thursday after 1986 batch IAS Asit Tripathy was appointed by the State government in a major rejig.

Tripathy, who will take charge on Augut 19, was the Development Commissioner.

Tripathy, notably, also held the charge of Chief Administrator KBK.

Tripathy told reporters that it is a big responsibility and a privilege for any IAS officer. Chief Minister has already cleared the priorities that schemes in social justice sector should be implemented at the right time with transparency, full integrity and as per the principles of 5T.

He said the second most important thing is the growth sector of the State.

“I will work to ensure growth in per capita of the State, infrastructure and most of all employment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Works Secretary Krishan Kumar has been given additional charge of Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in place of Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra with immediate effect.

Mohapatra has been appointed Agriculture Production Commissioner in place of Gagan Behari Dhal while Suresh Chandra Mohapatra has been made Development Commissioner holding additional charge of Working Chairperson in SJTA.

Retired IAS and 1984-batch officer R Balakrishnan, apart from his role of Chief Advisor (Special Initiatives) to the State government, will now also function as the Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister’s Office with immediate effect.