Manoj Ahuja, an IAS officer, was named Odisha’s new chief secretary, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Jena.
“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,” the government of Odisha wrote in its letter.
In his initial response to OTV following the declaration of his candidature for Chief Secretary, Ahuja expressed his happiness at being back in Odisha. Within a week, he promised to return to Odisha.
The 1990-batch IAS officer’s return to Odisha from the central deputation was recently approved by the Centre, igniting rumours that he would be named Chief Secretary. And today the conjectures were validated.