Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been promoted as the Chief Secretary of Odisha. She is the first woman to hold this top position in the state's bureaucracy. Her appointment follows the retirement of Manoj Ahuja, the current Chief Secretary, on December 31, 2025. Currently, Ms. Garg is the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to the Planning and Convergence Department and also holds additional charge of the Water Resources Department. She is known as a trusted and efficient administrator. During the previous Naveen Patnaik government, she successfully led many important development projects. Her work in the Water Resources Department received special praise. When the Bharatiya Janata Party government took over in the state, Ms. Garg maintained the confidence of the new leaders through her effective management, hands-on approach, and strong policy support. Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Garg has over 30 years of administrative experience and holds a Master’s degree in Sociology. She has headed key departments such as Health, Water Resources, and Planning and Convergence during her career.