Retired IAS officer Balakrishnan selected as Chief advisor of special initiatives

Odisha government Thursday appointed retired IAS officer R Balakrishnan as the chief advisor (special initiatives) in the rank of chief secretary, official sources said. According to a notification issued by the planning and convergence department, the appointment was made by the order of the Governor.

Balakrishnan will look after special development councils, tribal museum, craft museum, input to heritage cabinet, Odia University and Odia Virtual Academy. He will directly report to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the notification added. Balakrishnan had retired as Development Commissioner on November 30.