In a significant move marking the beginning of a new era under the BJP government in Odisha, the state has appointed Manoj Ahuja, a seasoned 1990-batch IAS officer, as its new chief secretary.
Mr Ahuja, who returns to his parent cadre after a central deputation since 2017, brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role. Notably, he becomes the first non-Odia in two decades to hold the position of chief secretary in Odisha.
Ahuja’s career spans pivotal roles such as Union agriculture secretary, special director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), and chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
His diverse experience includes overseeing key departments like cooperation, steel and mines, sports and youth affairs, and food supplies and consumer welfare during his tenure with the state government.
He has served in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and held key roles such as Joint Director (Personnel Training / Personnel & General Administration) and Commissioner & Secretary (Steel & Mines, Sports & Youth Services). He also chaired the Central Board of Secondary Education under the Ministry of Education as Secretary to the Government of India.
Ahuja’s strategic role will extend to advising on the continuation of existing state programs and the selection of senior officers and district collectors.
Ahuja is originally native to Haryana. His academic background includes a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, an MBA from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and a Masters in Public Administration (International Development) from Harvard University, USA, underscoring his multidimensional expertise.
As Odisha awaits the formation of its full ministerial team under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Ahuja’s leadership as chief secretary promises to shape the state’s governance in the coming years, reflecting the BJP’s vision for development and administration in Odisha.
