Odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 27: The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet on Friday approved a one-year extension of Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja’s tenure, effective from January 1, 2025. Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer, was scheduled to retire on December 31, 2024.
Ahuja is the first Chief Secretary of the BJP-led government in Odisha. He was brought back from central deputation in 2024 at the state government’s request and assumed office on July 1, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Jena, who had served an extended term until June 30.
Before Jena, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra held the position, receiving two consecutive six-month extensions, and retired in February 2023. Ahuja’s appointment marked a significant milestone as he became the first non-Odia Chief Secretary in nearly 39 years. The last non-Odia to hold this post was Gian Chand, who served from April 1983 to December 1985.
A Haryana native, Ahuja has held key roles, including Principal Secretary in Odisha’s Cooperation Department and Secretary of the Union Agriculture Ministry during his central deputation. His extended term signals continued confidence in his leadership during a transformative period for Odisha.
