Anu Garg has taken charge as Chief Secretary of Odisha following a traditional handover ceremony with outgoing chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, who retired after a distinguished tenure. The 1991-batch officer will hold the state’s top administrative post until 31 March 2029, marking one of the lengthiest tenures in recent state history.
Anu Garg Chief Secretary Odisha outlines priorities
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described Garg’s appointment as a historic milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to excellence and empowerment. Speaking after assuming office, Garg called the role both a great responsibility and an opportunity, and set out a clear agenda to realise a “Dream Odisha”.
She said the government’s primary goal is the progress of the state, and pledged to implement the 2036 Vision Document while aligning state plans with national targets for 2047. “There are many challenges ahead, but by working together, we can overcome them,” she said, underlining the need for collective effort across departments.
Garg listed immediate priorities that include improving the ease of doing business, empowering youth through employment and skill development, boosting tourism, and maintaining a sustained focus on women’s empowerment. Her remarks pointed to a balanced emphasis on economic growth alongside social development goals.
Her appointment follows a successful spell in the state’s Water Resources Department, where Odisha secured second place nationally in water management and earned a Vice-President’s award. Garg also served as the state’s first woman Development Commissioner in 2023, a post in which she shaped administrative reforms and programme delivery.
Garg’s career spans grassroots administration and central government roles. Born on 1 March 1969, she cleared the Indian Administrative Service examination at 22. Early assignments included Sub-Collector of Jharsuguda and district collector roles in Kalahandi, Bargarh and Sambalpur. She later served as Deputy Secretary in Health and on central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office between 2012 and 2015.
Her record includes notable contributions to Mission Shakti, the state’s flagship self-help group programme for women, and a track record of operational delivery in both rural and urban contexts. Officials say her administrative breadth should help coordinate the multiple departments involved in the 2036 Vision implementation.
Outgoing chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer whose term had been extended to 31 December 2025, praised the strong coordination and teamwork he observed during his 18-month tenure from 1 July 2024. He cited achievements such as the rapid rollout of the Subhadra scheme, targeted input subsidies for farmers, infrastructure projects and improvements in ease of living and doing business.
As Garg settles into office, civil servants and ministers will expect momentum on both policy design and execution. With a long tenure ahead, her administration will be judged on tangible outcomes: job creation for youth, better business conditions, expanded tourism, and measurable advances in women’s economic participation. Her prior record in water management and programme leadership suggests she will prioritise delivery as she steers Odisha towards the stated 2036 and 2047 targets.
Key Takeaways:
- Anu Garg Chief Secretary Odisha assumes office after a ceremonial handover and will serve until March 31, 2029.
- She prioritises ease of doing business, youth and women’s empowerment, tourism and implementation of the 2036 Vision aligned with national 2047 goals.
- Garg brings experience as Development Commissioner and former Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources); Odisha won national recognition in water management under her leadership.
