A state government notification issued today (June 28) announced that the 1990-Batch IAS Officer Manoj Ahuja has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha and Secretary to the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. Ahuja replaced incumbent Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, who is scheduled to retire on June 30.
A letter from the Odisha government read, "On repatriation from Government of India, Manoj Ahuja is appointed as Chief Secretary, Odisha and Secretary to Government, General Administration & Public Grievance Department consequent upon the retirement of Pradeep Kumar Jena with effect from 30.06.2024.".
New Chief Secretary of Odisha
These appointments came three days after the Appointment Committee of the Union Cabinet approved his repatriation to his parent cadre on the state government's request. This led to speculation about his possible elevation to the post of Chief Secretary. He was earlier serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.