In a landmark decision for gender representation in Indian bureaucracy, senior IAS officer Anu Garg has been appointed as the next Chief Secretary of Odisha. This appointment makes her the first woman to ever hold this top administrative position in the state's history.
A Historic Appointment for Odisha
The Odisha government issued a notification on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, confirming the appointment of Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre. She will succeed the outgoing chief secretary, Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on 31 December 2025. Garg will formally assume her new role in the new year, becoming the 47th Chief Secretary of the state.
This move marks a significant breakthrough, shattering a long-standing glass ceiling in the state's highest echelons of administrative power. Garg's elevation is seen as a progressive step towards greater gender diversity in leadership roles within the government.
Who is Anu Garg? A Profile of the Trailblazer
Anu Garg is a highly qualified and experienced administrator with an impressive academic and professional background. Born on 1 March 1969, she holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Lady Sri Ram College, Delhi University, a master's degree in Sociology from Lucknow University, and a master's in Public Health from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in the USA.
Currently, she holds the dual charge of Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary for both the Water Resources Department and the Planning and Convergence Department in Odisha.
A Stellar Career Spanning State and Centre
Garg's career portfolio showcases vast experience at both the state and central government levels. Her journey in the Odisha cadre began with postings in various districts between 1992 and 2003, where she served in key roles including Collector and District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, and Sub-divisional Magistrate.
Her significant roles in the Government of Odisha include:
- Principal Secretary, Departments of Labour and ESI
- Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development
- Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare (2008-12)
At the national level, she has served the Government of India with distinction in several ministries:
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
- Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
She was also a member of the High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) for Universal Health Coverage, instituted by the Planning Commission of India.
Passing the Baton: The Predecessor's Tenure
Garg will take over from Manoj Ahuja, who assumed the role of Chief Secretary on 1 July 2024, following Pradeep Kumar Jena. Ahuja, the 46th Chief Secretary, also handled the General Administration and Public Grievances Department. His tenure, originally ending on 31 December 2024, was extended by one year.
The appointment of Anu Garg is more than just an administrative change; it is a symbolic moment for Odisha. It underscores the evolving landscape of India's civil services, where merit and experience are paving the way for greater inclusivity at the highest levels of state governance.
