R Balakrishnan chief advisor to Chief Minister

Bhubaneswar: The state government Thursday appointed retired bureaucrat R Balakrishnan as the chief advisor (special initiatives) to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. As per a notification issued by the Planning and Convergence department, Balakrishnan will be in the rank of Chief Secretary and report directly to the Chief Minister. He will look after Special Development Councils, tribal museum, craft museum, Odia University and Odia Virtual Academy and provide input to heritage cabinet. The former IAS officer will work on an honourary basis and not draw any remuneration. However, the government will provide him with an office with supporting staff, vehicle and quarter for accommodation.