Former Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja Appointed Chief Secretary Of Odisha

Ahuja will take charge effective July 1, a day after the extended term of the incumbent in office, Pradeep Kumar Jena ends on June 30. 

A 1990 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, Ahuja was on Tuesday repatriated from the Centre on a request by his parent cadre, setting off speculation that he would be the next chief secretary of the state.

"On repatriation from Government of India, Shri Manoj Ahuja, IAS (RR-1990) is appointed as Chief Secretary, Odisha and Secretary to Government, General Administration and Public Grievance Department consequent upon the retirement of Shri Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS, with effect from 30.06.2024," an official notification from Odisha government said.

The formal announcement came a day after Majhi's visit to New Delhi, during which he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the party, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A technocrat-turned-bureaucrat, Ahuja has held several key positions both in the central government and the state. He has previously served as the chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Special Director at Lal Bahadur Academy of Administration.

Before moving to centre, Ahuja had served as Commissioner of Taxes and Secretary, Mining in the Government of Odisha.

For a detailed profile of Ahuja, click here.