The final secretariat-level meeting of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja was held today as he concludes his tenure in office. In a smooth administrative transition, Anu Garg will assume the responsibilities of Chief Secretary of Odisha from today.
The change in leadership marks a significant moment for the state bureaucracy, with senior officials attending the farewell meeting to acknowledge Ahuja’s contributions to the administration. Anu Garg is set to continue ongoing initiatives and bring fresh perspectives to the governance of the state.
This transition underlines the government’s commitment to seamless administrative functioning and leadership continuity in Odisha.
Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been elevated to the post of Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to occupy the topmost position in the Odisha bureaucracy.
Her appointment comes in the wake of the superannuation of the incumbent Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025.
Garg is currently serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to the Planning and Convergence Department and holds additional charge of the Water Resources Department.
Widely regarded as a trusted and capable administrator, Ms. Garg efficiently implemented several key development initiatives during the previous Naveen Patnaik-led government. Her work in the Water Resources Department, in particular, has drawn appreciation.
Following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the State, the senior officer, with over three decades of administrative experience, continued to earn the confidence of the new political leadership through her hands-on approach, effective execution of major projects and policy guidance.
