According to reliable sources, the Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja (IAS:1990:OR) is almost certain to get a service extension of at least six months or a year. There has been a buzz in the corridor of power regarding his extension as he is due to retire on December 31.
Ahuja assumed the charge of Chief Secretary on July 1 this year after the BJP government came to power in the state on June 12. It needs to be mentioned here that he was repatriated to the state at the request of the Mohan Majhi government.
There are several reasons that weigh in favour of his getting an extension. One of the main reasons is the management of the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. It is going to be held on January 7 and 8 and dignitaries from across the globe are likely to attend the event.
Similarly, Make in Odisha Conclave is scheduled to take place on January 28-29 next year. Ahuja had played a vital role in organizing the roadshows for this event in Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and other places.
Besides, he shoulders an important responsibility for setting up the JSW Group-POSCO mega steel plant in Keonjhar. Apart from it, he is the Working Chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC).
These considerations are lending credence to growing belief that he is sure to get an extension; the only hitch is its periodicity.
