Former Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja (IAS: 1990: OD) has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Odisha. Recently repatriated to his parent cadre, Ahuja will take charge from the incumbent Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena (IAS: 1989: OD), who is set to retire on June 30, 2024.
There were several contenders for the position, including Nitin Chandra (IAS: 1990: OD), Anu Garg (IAS: 1991: OD), and Satyabrata Sahu (IAS: 1991: OD). However, the government ultimately chose the senior-most bureaucrat, Ahuja, for this pivotal role.
A New Era Under Ahuja
On Friday, the new BJP government in Odisha announced the appointment of Manoj Ahuja, a 1990-batch cadre officer, as the new Chief Secretary. Ahuja will also serve as the Secretary of the General Administration Department. Notably, Ahuja, a native of Haryana, will be the first person from outside Odisha to serve as the state’s top administrator in two decades.
Ahuja, who has been on central deputation since 2017, was repatriated to Odisha at the request of the state government. His vast administrative experience, including his recent position as Union Agriculture Secretary, positions him as a key asset for the new administration.
Extensive Experience and Accomplishments
Manoj Ahuja’s distinguished career includes significant roles such as Special Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Within the Odisha state government, he has served in several critical capacities, including Secretary of Cooperation, Steel and Mines, Sports and Youth Affairs, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, and Commissioner of Commercial Tax.
Strategic Importance of Ahuja’s Role
Ahuja’s appointment is particularly significant given that many ministers in the new BJP government lack experience in handling portfolios. His role will be crucial not only for the successful implementation of the BJP’s election promises but also in assisting with the selection of senior IAS officers across various departments and district collectors in the Mohan Majhi administration.
As the Chief Minister is yet to finalize his team, key appointments are expected to follow Ahuja’s assumption of office. Sources indicate that the Odisha government, following advice from the BJP central leadership, had written to the Centre for Ahuja’s repatriation.
Leadership and Expertise
Manoj Ahuja’s educational background is equally impressive. According to his profile on NABARD, he holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, an MBA from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and a Master’s in Public Administration (International Development) from Harvard University, USA.
A senior bureaucrat emphasized the importance of Ahuja’s guidance in the ongoing and future administrative decisions. “The new government is yet to start functioning in a full-fledged manner. It’s still not clear whether all the schemes run by the previous BJD government will be continued or not. Ahuja’s advice on these matters will be important,” he said.
Conclusion
Manoj Ahuja’s appointment as the Chief Secretary marks a new chapter in Odisha’s administration. His extensive experience and strategic insight are expected to steer the state towards effective governance and fulfill the new government’s promises. As Odisha stands on the cusp of significant changes, Ahuja’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping its future. The BJP government’s decision to bring Ahuja back to Odisha underscores its commitment to ensuring experienced and capable leadership at the helm of the state’s administration, promising a prosperous and well-governed future for its citizens.