Ananya Awasthi Becomes Odisha Governor’s First Woman ADC

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has added a new chapter to its administrative history with the appointment of IPS officer Ananya Awasthi as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. With this appointment, she becomes the first woman officer to serve in the prestigious role since the formation of the state.

A formal ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan on Sunday, where Governor Dr. Kambhampati inducted Awasthi into her new assignment. Senior officials of the Governor’s Secretariat were present during the occasion.

Before taking charge as ADC, Awasthi was serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), UPD, Cuttack. Her elevation to the position is being seen as a significant milestone in the growing participation of women in leadership and protocol assignments within the police force.

As ADC, Awasthi will assist the Governor in carrying out a range of official responsibilities, including coordination of ceremonial events, state functions, official visits and protocol-related engagements. The role requires close interaction with government departments and security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of gubernatorial programmes.

She replaces IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, who previously served as the Police ADC to the Governor.

The Governor of Odisha is assisted by two Aides-de-Camp — one from the Odisha Police and another from the Indian Navy. While Ananya Awasthi has assumed charge as the Police ADC, Lieutenant Harshit Deo will continue to serve as the Naval ADC to the Governor.

Officials noted that the appointment reflects the increasing presence of women officers in key positions of responsibility and highlights the evolving role of women in public administration and policing. Her appointment is expected to inspire more women to aspire for leadership roles in uniformed services.

The induction ceremony marked the beginning of Awasthi’s tenure at Raj Bhavan, where she will play an important role in supporting the Governor’s official and ceremonial responsibilities.