Manoj Ahuja’s tenure as Odisha Chief Secretary extended for another year

The tenure of Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has been extended by one year, keeping him in office beyond the original deadline set for December 31.

Ahuja first took over the role following the conclusion of Pradeep Jena’s term on June 30, after serving a deputation. Within a span of six months, Ahuja has played a pivotal role in implementing a variety of government strategies and policies.

His efforts have been particularly concentrated on bringing the BJP’s campaign pledges to life. Under his leadership, the State has successfully hosted its first Naval Day and a Directorate General (DG) Conference. Looking ahead, there are plans to conduct the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference in the State.

Ahuja will have also a great role to play in the implementation of the upcoming planning and schemes of the BJP government in the State.

The 1990-batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, Ahuja took charge from outgoing Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena on June 30.

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After taking charge, Ahuja faced huge challenges like- removing bureaucratic bloats of the previous government, wiping out the bitter feeling between the Odia and non-Odia officials and fulfilling all the assurances promised by the newly-formed BJP government in its election manifesto. He had a herculean task in hand to provide a new identity to the Odisha administration by improving its image and lending a balance between the Odia and non-Odia officials.

Apart from his vast experience, he is in the good books of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by working efficiently as a Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry.

“Ahuja has vast administrative experience and the current dispensation has good tuning with him. It’s an important time for the government and they will face new challenges. Hence, the government is banking on Ahuja to implement various plans and schemes in a proper manner,” said political analyst Prasanna Mohanty.