Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary
In a landmark decision, the Odisha government has appointed senior IAS officer Anu Garg as the new Chief Secretary of the state, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in Odisha’s administrative history.
Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, will assume charge on January 1, 2026, following the retirement of current Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on December 31, 2025.
Currently serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary in the Planning and Convergence Department, Garg has been widely recognised for her contributions to governance and public health.
Under her leadership, Odisha earned national recognition for water resources management, securing an award from the Vice President.
Born in Lucknow, Garg’s academic journey spans Lady Shri Ram College, Lucknow University, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she earned her Master of Public Health in 2007.
Her career includes pivotal roles in Odisha’s districts, the Health and Family Welfare Department, and central deputations in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Textiles.
Her appointment is seen as a boost for gender representation in top administrative roles, with expectations of continuity, policy expertise, and a renewed focus on social sectors such as health, women’s empowerment, and water management.
