Bhubaneswar: In a landmark appointment for Odisha’s administrative and policing history, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has appointed IPS officer Ananya Awasthi as his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), making her the first woman police officer to hold the prestigious position.
The formal induction ceremony was held on Sunday at Lok Bhavan, where the Governor welcomed Awasthi to her new role as Police ADC. Senior officials from the Governor’s Secretariat were present on the occasion.
The appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Odisha Police but also for women in public service, as Awasthi becomes the first female officer to serve as ADC to the Governor of Odisha.
Historic First for Odisha
IPS Awasthi’s appointment is being seen as a pathbreaking development in Odisha’s administrative history. Traditionally, the Governor is assisted by two Aides-de-Camp—one from the Indian Navy and another from the Odisha Police.
With her induction, Awasthi takes charge as the Police ADC, while Lieutenant Harshit Deo of the Indian Navy will continue serving as the Naval ADC to the Governor.
The ADC plays a key role in assisting the Governor during official engagements, ceremonial events, protocol duties and interactions with dignitaries.
Governor Welcomes New ADC
The induction ceremony at Lok Bhavan formally marked Awasthi’s entry into the Raj Bhavan establishment.
She succeeds IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, who previously served as the Police ADC to the Governor.
The appointment reflects the Governor’s confidence in the young IPS officer’s professional abilities and leadership potential.
Ananya Awasthi Calls It a Matter of Pride and Responsibility
Speaking after her appointment, Awasthi described the assignment as both a professional opportunity and a personal milestone.
Expressing gratitude to the Governor and the Odisha Government, she said the role carries immense responsibility and offers valuable exposure.
“I want to thank the Governor and Government of Odisha for giving me this opportunity to serve as the first female ADC to the Governor. For me, professionally, it is a good position of responsibility as it will give me a lot of exposure. Also, serving a constitutional authority gives me a sense of immense pride as well as a sense of responsibility,” she said.
She further noted that being the first woman to hold the position could inspire more women and young girls to pursue careers in public service and leadership.
Who Is IPS Ananya Awasthi?
Ananya Awasthi is a 2022-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre who has rapidly emerged as one of the promising young officers in the state police service.
Hails From Madhya Pradesh
Originally from Madhya Pradesh, Awasthi pursued a career in law before joining the civil services.
Legal Education at NLIU Bhopal
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the prestigious National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, one of India’s leading law schools.
Her legal background has provided a strong foundation for her policing career, particularly in areas involving criminal law, investigation and public administration.
UPSC Success and Entry into IPS
Awasthi cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination as a direct recruit and joined the Indian Police Service on August 29, 2022.
Following her selection, she was allotted the Odisha cadre and underwent institutional training at the Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA) in Bhubaneswar.
Her training equipped her with operational, investigative and administrative skills required for policing assignments in the state.
Career Progression in Odisha Police
After completing her training, Awasthi served in various assignments before being posted as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Cuttack Urban Police District (UPD) in November 2025.
As ACP, she handled law-and-order responsibilities and policing functions in one of Odisha’s important urban centres.
Her performance in the role earned recognition within the police department and paved the way for her appointment to the Governor’s establishment.
Responsibilities of an ADC
The position of Aide-de-Camp is considered one of the most prestigious assignments for young officers.
An ADC acts as a key liaison between the Governor and various government agencies, assists during official ceremonies, accompanies the Governor during important engagements and ensures adherence to protocol requirements.
The role offers officers valuable exposure to constitutional functioning, state administration and high-level official engagements.
A Milestone for Women in Public Service
Awasthi’s appointment is being viewed as an important step towards greater representation of women in leadership and ceremonial positions within government institutions.
As the first woman Police ADC to the Governor of Odisha, she has broken a long-standing barrier and set a new benchmark for future generations of women officers.
Her appointment highlights the increasing role of women in India’s police services and reinforces the message that leadership positions in public administration are open to talent and merit irrespective of gender.
With this historic assignment, Ananya Awasthi joins a select group of officers entrusted with serving constitutional authorities and is expected to play a key role in supporting the Governor’s official functions while inspiring many aspiring civil servants across the country.
