Vibrant Gujarat-2013: Know more about backroom boy Maheshwar Sahu, IAS

Sahu (right) with chief minister Narendra Modi

DAYS before Gujarat staging its mega investors’ summit, Vibrant Gujarat-2013, BoI takes a close look at the bureaucrat of the moment: Maheshwar Sahu, a 1980 batch Gujarat cadre IAS and principal secretary in industries and mines departments of the state. For the last couple of years, captains of Indian industries and MNC honchos have …cultivated this man. They know if you want to grab a profit pie from fast-developing state of Gujarat, you need to have a cup of tea with this Oriya man, convince him 360 degree before wooing the heart and soul of chief minister and Prime Ministerial contender Narendra Modi.
Starting his career as an assistant collector in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district in early 1980s, Sahu spent most of his career in industry and allied departments. Sahu also had some international exposure when he picked up short-term consultancies at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). He had also served as UNIDO’s man in Tanzania. 
An electrical engineer before getting into IAS, Sahu later completed his post-graduation in development administration from the University of Birmingham, UK. His focus during his sabbatical in 1993-94 was industrial development and re-location of industries.
At the Centre, Sahu was a joint secretary in department of telecom and director in MTNL.
He was also engaged in handling earthquake reconstruction work.

Action and Appointments
a) The ACC has assigned additional charge of the post of Director General, Sports Authority of India (additional secretary level) to Gopal Krishna, a 1983 batch West Bengal cadre IAS who is now secretary in Sports Authority of India (joint secretary level). The additional charge has been with retrospective effect: from July 6, 2012 to May 14, 2013.