TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 30, 2025: Senior Indian Administrative Service officer Vikas Sheel, of the 1994 batch, today formally assumed charge as the 13th Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh at the Mantralaya, Mahanadi Bhawan. His appointment marks a significant moment in the administrative history of the state, as he brings with him a wide-ranging career spanning district administration, state-level governance, central government policymaking, and international assignments.
Before his elevation to the top bureaucratic position in Chhattisgarh, Sheel served as Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, where he represented India in high-level decision-making on development finance, infrastructure projects, and regional cooperation. His tenure at ADB earned him recognition for his expertise in public policy and his ability to handle large-scale, multi-stakeholder programs.
Sheel began his career in the Madhya Pradesh cadre after joining the IAS. Following the creation of Chhattisgarh in November 2000, he was allocated to the newly formed state. In his early years of service, he held key district-level positions as Collector of Koriya, Bilaspur, and Raipur, earning a reputation for his administrative efficiency, accessibility to the public, and innovative problem-solving approach. Notably, he served as Collector of Raipur, the state capital, from April 2007 to April 2008, a period during which he was credited with several governance reforms and urban management initiatives.
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At the state secretariat, Sheel held pivotal roles across multiple departments, including School Education, Food and Civil Supplies, General Administration, and Health, where he contributed to shaping policies aimed at improving service delivery and transparency. His tenure in these roles helped strengthen institutional capacity in critical sectors such as education and healthcare, both of which remain key priorities for Chhattisgarh.
In 2018, Sheel moved to central deputation with the Government of India, where he played an influential role in shaping national policies. As Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, he oversaw the ambitious nationwide program to provide tap water connections to rural households. His leadership was instrumental in accelerating implementation, mobilizing resources, and ensuring coordination with states. He also served in the Department of Health, where he contributed to public health initiatives during a critical period that included the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Born on June 10, 1969, Vikas Sheel has a distinguished academic background. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by advanced studies abroad. He holds a Master’s and an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Healthcare Management and Policy from Syracuse University, USA. This blend of technical and administrative training has enabled him to bring a unique analytical and evidence-based approach to governance.
Colleagues describe Sheel as a forward-looking officer with strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to public service. His appointment as Chief Secretary is being viewed as a step that will further strengthen governance in Chhattisgarh, particularly at a time when the state is focusing on expanding infrastructure, improving education and health services, and deepening welfare programs.
With his vast experience at the district, state, national, and international levels, Vikas Sheel is expected to provide a steady hand and strategic direction to the state administration under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. His tenure will be closely watched for the new initiatives and reforms that may shape the next phase of Chhattisgarh’s development journey.
