In a significant development, the Odisha government on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) appointed senior IAS officer Anu Garg (IAS:1991:OR) as the new Chief Secretary of the state, making her the first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post in Odisha. She will take over from Manoj Ahuja (IAS:1989:OR), who is due to retire on December 31, 2025.
Anu Garg is now working as Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Convergence Department. She also holds additional charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, and Secretary, General Administration and Public Grievance Department.
With service tenure till March 2029, Anu Garg will be third in the Odisha IAS gradation list as on January 1, 2026, after the retirement of Manoj Ahuja. The top two positions will be held by Sanjeev Chopra (IAS:1990:OR) and Gudey Srinivas (IAS:1990:OR). Both officers are on central deputation as Secretaries in the Government of India.
Though she ranks below them in the gradation list, Anu Garg has been appointed as Chief Secretary. Her selection shows the state government’s trust in her administrative work and leadership.
Join Us on WhatsApp