Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary

Historic Appointment in Odisha Administration

Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary: Anu Garg was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha on December 25, 2025, creating history as the first woman to hold the state’s highest bureaucratic position. The appointment assumes significance as it comes just days before the retirement of the outgoing Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on December 31, 2025.

This decision marks an important milestone in Odisha’s administrative history. It also reflects the gradual yet visible shift towards gender inclusivity in India’s senior civil services leadership.

Static GK fact: The Chief Secretary acts as the administrative head of the state government and is the principal advisor to the Chief Minister on policy and governance matters.

Administrative Background and Seniority

Anu Garg belongs to the 1991 batch of the Indian Administrative Service from the Odisha cadre. At the time of her appointment, she was serving as Development Commissioner, holding additional charge of the Water Resources Department.

Her elevation is rooted in seniority, experience, and a strong administrative track record. Earlier, in March 2023, she also became the first woman Development Commissioner of Odisha, another milestone in the state’s bureaucratic setup.

Static GK Tip: In state administration, the Development Commissioner typically ranks just below the Chief Secretary in hierarchy.

Experience Across State Departments

With over three decades of public service, Garg has handled a wide range of portfolios in the Odisha government. These include Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance.

At the district level, she has served as Collector and District Magistrate of Sambalpur and Bargarh. Her early administrative career also includes postings as Additional District Magistrate and Sub-Collector in Kalahandi and Jharsuguda.

These roles gave her direct exposure to grassroots governance, welfare delivery, and district-level administration.

Static GK fact: The District Collector is responsible for revenue administration, law and order coordination, and implementation of government schemes at the district level.

Central Deputation and Academic Credentials

During her central deputation, Anu Garg served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. She also worked as Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister, reflecting high-level trust in her administrative capabilities.

Academically, she is an alumna of Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. She holds postgraduate degrees from the University of Lucknow and a Master of Public Health from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA.

This combination of administrative experience and academic grounding strengthens her policy-oriented approach.

Significance for Governance and Representation

Anu Garg’s appointment symbolizes more than a routine bureaucratic transition. It highlights growing women’s representation in top administrative roles within state governments. Her mix of state and central experience is expected to ensure administrative continuity and effective policy coordination.

As Odisha navigates key development priorities, her leadership is likely to influence governance efficiency, inter-departmental coordination, and social sector delivery.

Static GK Tip: As the head of the state civil services, the Chief Secretary also coordinates between the state and the Union government.

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Anu Garg Becomes Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary: