Return from International Posting Signals Boost for State’s Development Agenda Under CM Sai
Published on: September 27, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
In a pivotal move to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s administrative machinery, the state government on September 25, 2025, appointed senior IAS officer Vikas Shree (1994 batch) as the 13th Chief Secretary, effective October 1. Shree, who has been serving as Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines, was recalled at the personal intervention of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to replace outgoing incumbent Amitabh Jain, whose tenure concludes on September 30.
Shree’s appointment, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in New Delhi, underscores the state’s push towards accelerated infrastructure and economic growth. A career bureaucrat with over 30 years of experience, Shree previously held key roles in Chhattisgarh, including Principal Secretary in the Finance and Planning departments, where he spearheaded public-private partnerships for rural electrification and irrigation projects.
His stint at ADB focused on sustainable development financing, particularly in South Asia, bringing expertise in climate-resilient infrastructure—a priority for Chhattisgarh amid frequent floods and Naxal challenges.Chief Minister Sai hailed the decision as a “game-changer,” stating during a cabinet meeting, “Vikas Shree’s global insights will align Chhattisgarh with international best practices, driving our vision of a $100 billion economy by 2030.”
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Under his leadership, the state aims to fast-track projects like the ₹25,000 crore Naya Raipur Smart City expansion and green energy corridors in tribal belts. However, the transition has sparked mild political ripples, with opposition Congress leaders questioning the abrupt recall and alleging it favors “Delhi loyalists” over local talent.
Shree is expected to assume charge amid pressing issues, including the ongoing anti-Naxal operations and post-monsoon rehabilitation in flood-hit districts like Bastar and Surguja. His first agenda includes reviewing the state’s fiscal health ahead of the 2025-26 budget, with a focus on leveraging ADB funding for tribal welfare schemes. This appointment not only bolsters bureaucratic continuity but also positions Chhattisgarh as a proactive player in national development narratives.
