Anu Garg to take charge as Odisha Chief Secretary from January 1; major administrative reshuffle likely

Anu Garg will assume charge as Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary on January 1, ushering in a likely large-scale reshuffle in the state administrative setup. With the change at the top, significant reorganisation is expected, as Garg is anticipated to build her own team and assign key responsibilities.

A major point of discussion is who will take over as Development Commissioner, a position currently held by Garg. Leading the race is 1991-batch IAS officer Satyabrata Sahu, currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Forest & Environment Departments. Other names doing the rounds include 1993-batch IAS officer Deoranjan Kumar Singh and Surendra Kumar.

Meanwhile, with challenges on the law and order front, discussions are also underway regarding the leadership of the Home Department.

"We thank Anu Garg on behalf of the women's society of Odisha. Let Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra bless her to work for Odisha," said Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

Several senior IAS officers currently on central deputation may be recalled to the state to fill important roles. Out of 12 Additional Chief Secretary positions in the state, six officers are on deputation. Senior officers such as Sanjay Rastogi (1991), CS Kumar (1992), Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Ashok Kumar Meena (1993), Santosh Shadangi, and Ranjana Chopra (1994) are among those who could return to the state administration.

Also Read: Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary Anu Garg: Journey so far & challenges ahead

There is also speculation that Manoj Ahuja could be assigned an important responsibility. Typically, a change in the Chief Secretary is followed by IAS reshuffle. Since no transfers occurred when Ahuja assumed responsibility after Pradeep Jena, all eyes are now on the upcoming postings once Anu Garg takes charge.

"When someone takes charge as the Chief Secretary, he/she will definitely like to form their own team. It is likely that there will be changes in different departments. Some officers in central deputation may return to Odisha in repatriation and take important positions," said senior journalist Sandeep Mishra.