Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja
Jagran correspondent, Angul. Once again the market of discussions is hot regarding the Chief Administrative Secretary, the topmost post of the state administration. At present, IAS officer Manoj Ahuja is occupying this post, but considering his tenure and future administrative needs, the question is constantly being raised that in the future, in whose hands will be the command of the state bureaucracy.
According to reliable government and administrative sources, 1990 batch IAS officer Manoj Ahuja was appointed as the 46th Chief Administrative Secretary of Odisha on June 29, 2024 and he will assume charge on June 30, 2024.
Later, the state government extended his tenure by one year from January 1, 2025, keeping in mind the administrative continuity and effective implementation of major schemes. At present he is the highest official of the state administration.
Manoj Ahuja has previously worked on important posts in the Central Government like Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The government has expressed confidence in him in view of his long administrative experience at both the central and state levels. However, it is also clear that the churning of names of senior officers for this post will continue in future.
These are the possible contenders
If we talk about the future in the administrative circles, then the names of some senior IAS officers are being discussed as the possible next Chief Secretary. The most prominent name is that of IAS Anu Garg (1991 batch). He is currently working as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary. Due to her strong hold in planning, financial coordination and development programs, she is being considered the strongest contender for this post.
Apart from this, the name of IAS Sashwat Mishra (1996 batch) is also being taken, who is playing an important role as Principal Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office and has handled the responsibilities related to finance and industrial development.
Among senior officers, the names of IAS Satyabrata Sahu, who has been Additional Chief Secretary of sensitive departments like Home, Forest and Environment, and IAS DK Singh, who has headed the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, are also in discussion on the basis of administrative experience.
Among the young but experienced officers, the name of IAS Dr. Krishna Kumar (2002 batch) also stands out, who has played an effective role in the work department and major development authorities.
Government's priority experience and coordination
Administrative experts say that seniority, field experience, departmental coordination and better coordination with the central government are given priority in the selection of the Chief Administrative Secretary.
The upcoming priorities of the state government include infrastructure, industrial investment, social welfare schemes and good governance, in such a situation the role of this post becomes even more important.
At present the situation is clear that Manoj Ahuja is the Chief Government Secretary till 31 December 2025 and his tenure has been officially extended. Whether there will be any change in future or not, it will be decided only after the approval of the General Administration Department and the Chief Minister. Till then, speculations and discussions will continue regarding the command of the state administration.