In a minor reshuffle today, the Mohan Majhi government made several changes within the IAS cadre. The most significant decision, however, was the termination of IAS officer Vir Vikram Yadav (1996 batch) from his position as Secretary of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department. This move follows the tragic deaths of two women in Kandhamal District, allegedly after consuming mango kernel gruel.
Despite the government’s attempt to defend itself by attributing the deaths to food poisoning, independent sources have pointed to significant flaws in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the overall Food Security framework. Officer Yadav, as the Secretary of the department, was held largely responsible for these lapses. His termination underscores the government’s dissatisfaction with his handling of the PDS, which has been under scrutiny. However, Yadav will retain his position as Principal Secretary in the Works Department.
IAS Sanjay Singh (1997 batch), who has been given the additional charge of the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, is expected to improve the situation, given his extensive experience in various high-level positions.
