Odisha IAS officer Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra has received central approval for a prestigious promotion to the rank of Secretary within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet has granted this elevation, recognizing Mohapatra’s exemplary service and expertise. A member of the 1988 batch of the Odisha cadre, Mohapatra is among several senior IAS officers who have been chosen for this significant promotion. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC), Mohapatra is expected to be assigned a new posting at the central level in the near future. Previously, Mohapatra held the position of Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare in Odisha before being appointed as OFDC Chairman in a reshuffle conducted by the state government in October 2021. In recognition of his commendable work, Mohapatra had also served as the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) during the successful management of cyclone Phailin in Odisha back in 2013.