Bhubaneswar, December 4: The tenure of Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja set to conclude at the end of this month, is likely to be extended for at least six months, possibly longer, beyond December 31, 2024.
Ahuja assumed office as Chief Secretary on July 1, 2024, after being repatriated to his home state at the request of the newly formed BJP-led government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Prior to taking on the role of Chief Secretary, Ahuja served as the Secretary of the Agriculture Department.
Sources suggest that there are multiple factors contributing to the likely extension of his tenure. One key reason is his role in overseeing the management of the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, scheduled for January 7-8, 2024, in Odisha.
Ahuja’s premature repatriation from his position as Union Agriculture Secretary was seen as an indication that his tenure as Chief Secretary would not be short-lived. His appointment aligns with the BJP’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Odisha, following nearly 24 years of governance under the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
