Anu Garg becomes Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary

Anu Garg, a 1991 IAS officer, was elevated to the post of Principal Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold the top position in the Odisha bureaucracy.

His appointment follows the retirement of incumbent Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who will retire on December 31, 2025.

Ms. Garg is currently serving as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary in the Planning and Convergence Department and has additional charge of the Water Resources Department.

Widely regarded as a reliable and capable administrator, Ms. Garg efficiently implemented many key development initiatives during the previous government led by Naveen Patnaik. His work in the Department of Water Resources was especially appreciated.

Following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, the senior officer with over three decades of administrative experience went on to gain the confidence of the new political leadership through his hands-on approach, effective execution of major projects and policy guidance.

Ms. Garg hails from Uttar Pradesh and holds a Master’s degree in Sociology. Throughout his career, he headed important departments such as Health, Water Resources, and Planning and Convergence.