Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal IAS (Odisha 1993) presently Secretary- Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been given the additional charge as Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice from 17.11.2025 to 30.11.2025 during the period of absence on leave of Shri Niraj Verma IAS (Assam Meghalaya 1994).
Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS, is an accomplished and respected civil servant whose career reflects administrative depth, strong policy insight, and an exceptional ability to manage diverse government portfolios. An M.Tech. graduate in Production Engineering with First Class distinction, he combines technical acumen with a pragmatic leadership style widely appreciated across the administrative ecosystem. His professional journey—spanning more than three decades across Odisha and the Government of India—demonstrates a commitment to governance excellence that frequently finds mention in Indian Bureaucracy Latest News and allied platforms.
In July 2025, Shri Dhal assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, a position of national significance requiring precise coordination, legislative understanding, and seamless interaction between the Government and Parliament. His appointment reflects confidence in his administrative maturity and his ability to guide sensitive parliamentary processes. Prior to this, he served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the same ministry, ensuring continuity and smooth transition into the role of Secretary.
Before moving to the Centre, Shri Dhal served as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, overseeing General Administration and Personnel—one of the most critical assignments in state governance. His role required strategic decision-making, inter-departmental coordination, and a steady administrative hand, all of which he delivered with notable efficiency.
As CEO & Ex-Officio ACS, Home Department (Election), and earlier as ACS and Principal Secretary in the Energy Department, Shri Dhal played a pivotal role in improving energy governance, strengthening power sector institutions, and ensuring operational discipline. His leadership in the energy sector, often highlighted in Top Indian Bureaucracy News, included oversight of Hydro Power Corporation Ltd. during his additional charge as Chairman.
His tenure as Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Principal Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management demonstrated his versatility. From disaster preparedness to revenue administration and public health systems, he managed complex domains with clarity and responsiveness. Similarly, his leadership in the Excise Department introduced efficiency reforms and enhanced regulatory systems.
At the central level, Shri Dhal worked as Joint Secretary in the Ministries of Mines and Health & Family Welfare, as well as Director in the Cabinet Secretariat. These roles broadened his national policy exposure and strengthened his experience in inter-ministerial and cabinet coordination.
Shri Dhal’s early-career foundation was built in district administration. He served as District Collector and District Magistrate across several districts—Bargarh, Koraput, Sundargarh, Angul—where he handled land management, law and order, public service delivery, and developmental programmes. These postings, along with his service as Sub-Collector and Additional District Magistrate, provided him with invaluable grassroots governance insights.
He further contributed to administrative reforms through assignments in Panchayati Raj, Water Resources, Industries, Urban Development, Education, and Commercial Taxes. His tenure as Vice-Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority stands out for urban development and planning initiatives.
Across all responsibilities, Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal has upheld values of integrity, efficiency, and quiet administrative strength. His distinguished career mirrors the high standards associated with Indian Bureaucracy, reaffirming his reputation as a dependable and forward-looking public administrator.
Indian Bureaucracy Network wishes Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal the very best.