By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government appointed Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, as the new Chief Secretary on December 24, 2025, making her the first woman to hold this position in the state’s history. She will assume the role on January 1, 2026, succeeding Manoj Ahuja upon his retirement.
Key Reasons for Her Selection
Garg’s appointment appears to be based on merit and her strong professional credentials, rather than any controversial or hidden motives. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors cited across reports and analyses:
Extensive Experience and Track Record: With over 30 years in administration, she has held key roles in Odisha’s departments like Water Resources (where she led the state to national recognition as the second-best in water management), Planning and Convergence, Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Labour & ESI.
She also served in central government positions, including Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2012–2015), Ministry of Textiles, and Ministry of Health. Her hands-on approach, policy expertise, and success in implementing development schemes (e.g., in social sectors and irrigation) earned her trust from both the previous BJD government and the current BJP-led administration under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Seniority and Stability: As the current Development Commissioner (a role she was the first woman to hold in 2023), she was the natural successor in the bureaucratic hierarchy. Her remaining service until March 2029 provides continuity amid upcoming state programs, budgets, and reforms.
Reputation for Integrity and Efficiency: Described as an “honest officer” with a focus on transparency and effective governance, she has no reported controversies and is widely respected for her contributions.
However, some sources in ruling Party note that her selection aligns with the BJP government’s broader push for gender diversity and women’s empowerment in leadership roles, especially in a state where top bureaucratic positions have historically been male-dominated (Odisha had a woman chief minister in the 1970s but never a woman CS until now).
This could be seen as a positive “agenda” to promote inclusivity and inspire future generations, rather than anything ulterior.
