Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary | Dream Odisha 2036 Vision
Bhubaneswar, Dec 31, 2025 — In a historic milestone for Odisha’s administration, senior IAS officer Anu Garg has officially taken charge as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary.
The 1991‑batch officer succeeded Manoj Ahuja, who retired after an extended tenure, marking a new chapter in the state’s governance.
Garg’s tenure, set to run until March 31, 2029, is among the longest for this top post in Odisha’s history.
Speaking after assuming charge, she described the role as both a “great responsibility and opportunity,” pledging to work collectively toward building a “Dream Odisha.
Her priorities include implementing the 2036 Vision Document, aligning state goals with India’s national targets for 2047, and focusing on youth empowerment, ease of doing business, tourism development, and women’s empowerment.
With an illustrious career spanning grassroots to central government postings, Garg has previously served as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources), where Odisha earned national recognition in water management.
She also played a pivotal role in Mission Shakti, the state’s flagship women’s self‑help group program.
Outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja praised the strong coordination during his tenure, highlighting achievements such as the rollout of the Subhadra scheme, farmer subsidies, and infrastructure development.
Garg’s appointment is widely seen as a landmark moment, symbolising both continuity and transformation in Odisha’s administrative leadership.
