Putting end to speculations of Odisha chief secretary Manoj Ahuja getting extension, the state government named senior IAS officer Anu Garg as the next chief secretary of Odisha.
She is incidentally the first ever woman to be appointed to the top post. She will replace Ahuja, who will retire on December 31.
Garg is currently serving as the Development Commissioner. For records she is also the first woman officer to be appointed as the development commissioner – the second-highest-ranked bureaucrat in the state administration.
“That was she was the natural choice of Majhi led BJP government in Odisha. She has done great job so far in ensuring the effective implementation of new government schemes,” said a senior IAS officer.
Who is Anu Garg?
A 1991-batch IAS officer, Anu is considered as the go-getter officer. She brings extensive administrative experience with her. She also holds the charge of secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department, along with the charge of additional chief secretary of the Water Resources Department in the state government.
At centre also, Garg has served on various important posts including Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, as well as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Her experience across both the Centre and the state administration has earned her a reputation as a capable and efficient officer, trusted by governments at multiple levels. Her strong coordination with the Chief Minister's Office is seen as a key reason why the Manjhi government has reposed confidence in her.
Challenges ahead for Garg?
Garg has her task cut out after she assumes charge as chief secretary. She will have ensure effective coordination between the Centre and the state government, making the state administration more dynamic, strengthening administrative systems at the district level, and ensuring the timely implementation of government schemes.
Since BJP has formed government in the state for the first time, executing the new government's vision and mission while enhancing and safeguarding the government's public image will be among her key responsibilities.
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