Odisha is poised to make history as Anu Garg, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, takes office as the state's first woman Chief Secretary on January 1, 2026. This appointment is a remarkable milestone in Odisha's administrative history, highlighting the increasing representation of women in India's top bureaucratic roles. She will succeed Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025.
Anu Garg, born on March 31, 1969, is a distinguished 1991-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre with over three decades of dedicated service. With more than three years left in her tenure, she is well-positioned to implement governance and administrative reforms in the state. Prior to her elevation, Garg served as the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, where she managed key responsibilities in planning, convergence, and water resources.
Her appointment is historically significant, marking the first time a woman has held the Chief Secretary's position in Odisha. This move is viewed as a step towards enhancing gender diversity and achieving a balance in leadership within the higher echelons of civil services. As Chief Secretary, she will serve as the administrative head of the state's bureaucracy and principal advisor to the Chief Minister, playing a crucial role in policy implementation and inter-departmental coordination.
Anu Garg has overseen several vital departments throughout her career in Odisha, including:
In February 2023, she became the first woman IAS officer to serve as Development Commissioner of Odisha. Known for her field-oriented approach, Garg made headlines in March 2023 when she became the first senior official to visit Swabhiman Anchal, a Maoist-affected area. During this visit, she spent a night at Badapada village to understand grassroots challenges firsthand.
Anu Garg also brings a wealth of experience from her time in central government roles. Notably, she served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from November 2012 to April 2015. Additionally, Garg held the position of Joint Secretary in the Ministries of Textiles and Health and Family Welfare before returning to the Odisha cadre in 2017. Her dual experience at both the state and central levels is expected to enhance coordination between the two under her leadership.
Q1. Who is Anu Garg?
Answer: Anu Garg is a senior IAS officer from the 1991 batch of the Odisha cadre. She will be the first woman Chief Secretary of Odisha, starting January 1, 2026.
Q2. Why is Anu Garg's appointment significant?
Answer: Her appointment is significant as it marks the first time a woman will serve as Chief Secretary in Odisha, promoting gender diversity in civil services.
Q3. What are Anu Garg's previous roles?
Answer: Garg has served as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and has overseen departments such as Women and Child Development and Health and Family Welfare.
Q4. What experience does Anu Garg have at the Centre?
Answer: Garg's notable central experience includes serving as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and in the Ministries of Textiles and Health and Family Welfare.
Q5. What challenges did Anu Garg address in her field visits?
Answer: In her field visits, particularly to Swabhiman Anchal, Garg focused on understanding and addressing grassroots challenges in Maoist-affected regions.
Question 1: Who will be the first woman Chief Secretary of Odisha?
A) Manoj Ahuja
B) Anu Garg
C) Kamini Kaushal
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: In what year was Anu Garg born?
A) 1965
B) 1968
C) 1969
D) 1970
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What position did Anu Garg hold prior to becoming Chief Secretary?
A) Development Commissioner
B) Minister of Health
C) Deputy Chief Secretary
D) Joint Secretary in PMO
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: Anu Garg's tenure as Chief Secretary will begin on which date?
A) January 1, 2025
B) January 1, 2026
C) December 31, 2025
D) February 1, 2026
Correct Answer: B
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