Anu Garg IAS Biography – First Woman Chief Secretary of Odisha

Anu Garg IAS Biography : In the high-stakes world of Indian bureaucracy, few names command as much respect for quiet efficiency and administrative brilliance as Anu Garg. A 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Odisha cadre, her journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and public service. For a platform like Net Worth Guru, where we analyze the “wealth” of impact, Anu Garg’s story represents a massive intellectual and social net worth that has shaped the developmental trajectory of one of India’s most dynamic states.

Her career reached a historic zenith in late 2025 when she was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha. This appointment was not merely a promotion; it was a watershed moment in the state’s history. Becoming the first woman to hold the topmost bureaucratic post in Odisha, Garg shattered a decades-old glass ceiling, proving that merit and dedication know no gender. Her elevation to the 47th Chief Secretary of the state is a testament to her three decades of tireless work across diverse sectors ranging from health to water resources.

The “Anu Garg story” is one of academic excellence and strategic foresight. From the corridors of Lady Shri Ram College to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in the United States, her educational background provided the foundation for a career defined by evidence-based policy making. She has consistently demonstrated a “field-first” approach, ensuring that the policies drafted in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, translate into tangible benefits for the common citizen in remote districts like Sambalpur and Bargarh.

For aspiring civil servants and professionals, her biography serves as a blueprint for success in the public sector. It highlights the importance of versatile experience—having served both at the state level in Odisha and at the central level in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). As she takes the reins of the Odisha bureaucracy in 2026, her focus remains on sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and administrative transparency.

Personal Details of Anu Garg, IAS

Who is Anu Garg and How Did She Become Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary?

Anu Garg is a senior diplomat and administrative powerhouse who has spent over 30 years serving the public. Born in Uttar Pradesh, her journey into the civil services was fueled by a desire to bring about systemic change. After topping her academic circles, she entered the IAS in 1991. Her rise to the post of Chief Secretary was built on a foundation of “merit-based succession.” She succeeded Manoj Ahuja, taking over the mantle at a time when Odisha is aggressively pursuing industrial and social reforms.

The “how” of her historic appointment lies in her impeccable track record. Before reaching the top, she served as the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, a role that made her the second-most powerful bureaucrat in the state. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining administrative neutrality earned her the confidence of multiple state administrations. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to infuse the state’s top office with a leader who understands both the social sector and infrastructure development.

How Has Her Career Shaped Odisha’s Development?

Anu Garg’s impact on Odisha is visible through several flagship initiatives. One of her most notable contributions was her role as the Founder Director of Mission Shakti, an initiative that has empowered millions of women through self-help groups (SHGs). By shifting the focus of governance toward women’s economic independence, she helped create a social safety net that remains unique to Odisha.

Furthermore, her tenure in the Water Resources Department was marked by the successful completion of long-pending irrigation projects and the infusion of IT in water management. During her central deputation, she served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2012–2015), where she gained a national perspective on policy formulation. This blend of grassroots experience and national-level strategy allowed her to implement “ease-of-doing-business” reforms in Odisha that have attracted significant industrial investment to the state.

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Key Career Milestones and Administrative Data of Anu Garg

The Administrative “Net Worth” of a Visionary

In the context of Net Worth Guru, Anu Garg’s value is assessed through the “Multiplier Effect.” When a leader of her caliber streamlines a department, the resulting efficiency saves the taxpayer crores of rupees and accelerates project timelines. Her work in the Planning and Convergence department ensured that state resources were allocated to the most critical social sectors, effectively increasing the state’s “human capital net worth.”

Beyond the numbers, her legacy is defined by her accessibility. Known for a hands-on approach, she is often seen visiting project sites rather than just reviewing files in an office. This culture of accountability is her true gift to the Odisha cadre. As she moves into her role as Chief Secretary, her primary challenge will be steering the state through its next phase of industrialization while ensuring that the benefits reach the “last mile”—a task she is uniquely qualified for.

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