In a landmark moment for Odisha’s administration, senior IAS officer Anu Garg formally took charge as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary on Tuesday evening.
The 1991-batch officer received the responsibilities in a traditional handover ceremony from outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who retired after a distinguished tenure.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Garg, calling her appointment a “historic milestone” reflecting commitment to excellence and empowerment.
Garg, who has served in key roles including Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources), succeeds Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer whose term was extended to December 31, 2025. Her tenure as Chief Secretary is set to run until March 31, 2029 — one of the longest in the state’s history for this top post.
Speaking after assuming charge, Garg described the role as both a “great responsibility and opportunity.” She emphasised collective efforts to realise a “Dream Odisha”, stating:
The progress of the state is the government’s primary goal. We will implement the 2036 Vision Document while aligning with national targets for 2047. There are many challenges ahead, but by working together, we can overcome them.
She highlighted priorities including ease of doing business, youth empowerment, tourism development, and continued focus on women’s empowerment. Under her previous leadership in the Water Resources Department, Odisha secured second place nationally in water management, earning a Vice-President’s award.
Garg’s illustrious career spans grassroots to central government postings. Born on March 1, 1969, she cleared the IAS exam at age 22. Her early assignments included Sub-Collector in Jharsuguda and District Collector roles in Kalahandi, Bargarh, and Sambalpur. She later served as Deputy Secretary in Health and held central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2012-2015).
In 2023, she made history as Odisha’s first woman Development Commissioner. She is also credited with key contributions to initiatives like Mission Shakti, the state’s flagship women’s self-help group program.
Outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, in his final meeting with departmental secretaries, praised the strong coordination and teamwork during his 18-month tenure (from July 1, 2024). He highlighted achievements such as the rapid rollout of the Subhadra scheme, input subsidies for farmers, and infrastructure development, alongside improvements in ease of living and doing business.
