In a significant administrative development, senior IAS officer Manoj Ahuja has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha. Ahuja, known for his extensive experience in diplomacy, will succeed PK Jena, the current Chief Secretary.
The General Administration & Public Grievance Department issued a notification confirming Ahuja’s appointment. It stated, “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 w.e.f. 30.06.2024(AN).”
According to a communique from the Chief Minister’s Office in Odisha, “senior IAS Manoj Ahuja has been appointed as the Chief Secretary by the State Government after returning from Central Deputation. Ahuja will take charge after the retirement of the present Chief Secretary PK Jena on June 30.”
The notification further mentioned, “In addition, he will also take charge as Secretary of Public Administration and Public Grievances Department.”
The decision was finalized by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on June 25, approving the repatriation of Manoj Ahuja, a 1990-batch IAS officer currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at the Government of India.
