Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has extended the tenure of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja for one year, effective from January 1, 2025. The extension, approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, comes ahead of major events like the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 8 to 10 and Utkarsh Odisha from January 28 to 29. Ahuja was originally slated to retire on December 31, 2024.
A 1990-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, Manoj Ahuja assumed the role of Chief Secretary on July 1, 2024, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Jena. Before his appointment, Ahuja served on central deputation and held prominent positions, including Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary.
Starting his career as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district, Ahuja has held key roles such as Collector of Khordha district, commissioner-cum-secretary in the Steel and Mines, Sports and Youth Services departments, and principal secretary in the Cooperation department.