The speculation about the next Chief Secretary, as incumbent Pradeep Jena’s six-month extension comes to an end on June 30, grew in the power corridor with the Centre approving senior IAS officer Manoj Ahuja’s return to Odisha from central deputation.
Ahuja, an IAS officer from the 1990 batch, will retire in six months, but he is regarded as a serious candidate for the coveted position. When Ahuja was employed by the Agriculture Ministry, he gained the respect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to rumours, Modi approved Ahuja’s return to Odisha with the intention of advancing the state’s development model by emphasising agriculture. Despite Ahuja’s December 31 retirement, the government might raise his tenure like two former Chief Secretaries.
“PM Modi made a pledge to prioritise agriculture during the Odisha election campaign. Because Ahuja was employed as a secretary in the ministry of agriculture, he could become the next chief secretary of Odisha. His term as Chief Secretary might be extended if he is appointed to the position, according to former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo.
Pradeep Jena, the current chief secretary, has already had his term extended by six months. Many more think that Jena’s term might be extended once more. After 24 years, a new government was formed, but as of yet, no clear picture has materialised in this regard.
