Manoj Ahuja appointed Odisha's new Chief Secretary

Bhubaneswar, June 28: Manoj Ahuja, a senior IAS officer of the 1990 batch from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary by the state government on Friday. Ahuja, who was serving as Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare at the Centre, was repatriated to his parent cadre following a request.

He succeeds Pradeep Kumar Jena, who served an extended term until June 30. Ahuja brings with him extensive administrative experience from his various pivotal roles at both state and central levels. His appointment is expected to provide strategic direction and effective governance to Odisha amidst its ongoing developmental challenges.

A technocrat-turned-bureaucrat, Ahuja is known for his dedicated service and has garnered the trust of senior leadership within the government. His background in technical fields has enriched his administrative approach, earning him a reputation as a diligent and low-profile officer.