Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anu Garg has been appointed as the chief secretary of Odisha, making history as the first woman to occupy the state’s highest bureaucratic position. The Odisha government issued an official notification through the General Administration & Public Grievance (GA & PG) Department confirming her appointment. She will succeed Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025.
A 1991-batch IAS officer, Anu Garg has served in multiple key administrative roles across Odisha. She currently holds the position of development commissioner of the state and has also been entrusted with additional charges as secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department and as additional chief secretary of the Water Resources Department. Garg has earned a reputation for efficient administration, policy implementation, and leadership in critical development projects.
Anu Garg first made history in February 2023 when she was appointed as Odisha’s development commissioner, becoming the first woman to hold the second-highest bureaucratic post in the state. Her elevation to chief secretary reinforces Odisha’s commitment to gender inclusivity in governance and sets a precedent for women in administrative leadership roles.
Throughout her career, Garg has overseen major initiatives in water resource management, planning, and convergence of development programs, contributing significantly to the state’s administrative efficiency. Her experience in handling multiple departments simultaneously demonstrates her capability to manage complex administrative responsibilities. Colleagues and government officials have praised her for her strategic approach, innovative policy solutions, and ability to foster coordination between departments.
The role of chief secretary is crucial in any state, serving as the top bureaucratic advisor to the government and coordinating between various departments to ensure smooth implementation of policies. Garg’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to administrative management and reinforce the state’s focus on development, governance, and policy execution.
Anu Garg’s elevation is also seen as an inspiration for aspiring women officers in the IAS, highlighting the growing representation of women in top leadership positions in Indian bureaucracy. Her career trajectory, marked by dedication, administrative excellence, and trailblazing achievements, reflects her commitment to public service and governance.
With the retirement of Manoj Ahuja, Odisha transitions to a new era under Anu Garg’s leadership as chief secretary. Her appointment underscores the importance of experienced and visionary leadership in driving state policies and ensuring effective governance. Officials expect that under her guidance, Odisha will continue to strengthen its administrative mechanisms, improve service delivery, and achieve developmental goals efficiently.
Overall, Anu Garg’s historic appointment as Odisha’s first woman chief secretary represents both a personal achievement and a milestone in the state’s administrative history, reinforcing gender equality and excellence in governance.
