Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable coincidence, the neighbouring states of Odisha and West Bengal got their first-ever women Chief Secretaries on the eve of New Year, marking a significant milestone in the top echelons of states’ bureaucracy.
Anu Garg, who officially assumed charge as Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary last evening, convened a meeting of all secretaries on her first day in office on Thursday. “Today is my first day of assuming charge. We are committed to doing as much work as we can. I am convening a meeting of all secretaries today. I have just interacted with the Health Secretary, and I will be reviewing the expenditure of all departments,” she said.
The 1991-batch IAS officer succeeded 1990-batch IAS officer Manoj Ahuja, who served as Chief Secretary from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
Garg, who previously served as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Convergence) with additional charge of the Water Resources Department, is the 47th Chief Secretary of the state and the first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post since Odisha’s formation.
A seasoned administrator with over three decades of experience, Garg has held key assignments including Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2012–2015) and positions in central ministries like Textiles and Health & Family Welfare. She is widely credited with conceptualising Odisha’s flagship Mission Shakti programme, empowering millions of women through self-help groups.
In 2023, she also became the state’s first woman Development Commissioner.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described her appointment as a “historic milestone” reflecting the government’s commitment to empowerment and excellence. “Her vast experience and vision will drive Odisha to new heights of development,” the CM stated.
Soon after taking over as the Chief Secretary, Garg visited Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. “My prayers to the Lord are for the prosperity of my state and the well-being of all its people. As you all know, our immediate priority, as conceptualised by the Chief Minister, is the Vision 2036 and Vision 2047. This vision outlines how Odisha will look in 2036 when it celebrates its centenary,” she told reporters.
She is set to have a tenure exceeding three years, with eligibility to remain in office until March 31, 2029, making it one of the longer tenures for the state’s top bureaucracy.
Hours later, in West Bengal, Nandini Chakravorty, previously Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Hill Affairs) with additional charges in Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism, was appointed Chief Secretary, succeeding Manoj Pant who retired on December 31, 2025. The 1994-batch officer served as Managing Director of the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation during pivotal periods, and as Home Secretary since 2023. The appointment came late on Wednesday, after weeks of intense speculation on Nabanna corridors as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections in 2026.
