Manoj Ahuja Assumes Charge as Odisha Chief Secretary

Bhubaneswar: Senior IAS officer Manoj Ahuja took charge as the Chief Secretary of Odisha at Lok Seva Bhawan on Sunday. He succeeded Pradeep Jena, whose tenure was extended by six months due to the elections.

Hailing from Haryana, Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer, was on central deputation since 2017 before being repatriated at the state’s request. Notably, he is the first non-Odisha native to hold this position in four decades.

With retirement due in December 2024, Ahuja brings extensive administrative experience. His most recent role was Union Agriculture Secretary, and he has previously held prominent positions such as Special Director of LBSNAA, Chairman of CBSE, and Secretary of various key departments in Odisha, including Cooperation, Steel and Mines, and Sports and Youth Affairs.

Ahuja is expected to effectively implement the BJP’s election promises and assist in the appointment of senior IAS officers and district collectors in the Mohan Majhi government.