Biography
Anu Garg is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1991 Odisha cadre, widely respected for her sharp administrative skills and deep understanding of public policy. Born on March 1, 1969, she comes from a background that values education, discipline, and public service.
Originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Anu Garg grew up with a strong academic foundation. From an early age, she showed a natural curiosity about society, governance, and how systems work. That curiosity would later become the backbone of her career in public administration.
What sets her apart is not just her intelligence, but her ability to blend academic knowledge with ground-level governance. She isn’t the kind of officer who stays behind a desk, she’s someone who understands people, systems, and long-term impact.
In December 2025, history was made when the Odisha government officially announced her appointment as the Chief Secretary of Odisha, effective January 1, 2026. With this, Anu Garg became the first woman ever to hold this powerful administrative position in the state’s history, a milestone that inspired many across the country.
Career
Anu Garg’s career is like a long, well-planned marathon — steady, disciplined, and focused on impact rather than applause.
Early Administrative Roles (1992–2003)
After joining the IAS in 1991, she began her journey at the grassroots level in Odisha. During the early years of her service, she worked as:
- Sub-Collector
- Additional District Magistrate (ADM)
- District Collector
These roles put her directly in touch with real-life challenges — land issues, law and order, development schemes, and public welfare. It’s here that she learned what governance looks like on the ground, not just on paper.
Health and Social Sector Leadership
Between 2008 and 2012, Anu Garg served as Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This phase was critical. She played a key role in shaping health policies, improving public health systems, and strengthening healthcare delivery in Odisha.
Her background in public health gave her a unique edge — she wasn’t just managing files; she understood disease patterns, health infrastructure, and preventive care.
Central Government Experience
Anu Garg’s expertise was recognized at the national level, leading to her deputation to the Central Government, where she held several high-profile roles, including:
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Joint Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Working in the PMO is no small achievement. It reflects the trust placed in her ability to handle sensitive policy matters, national programs, and inter-ministerial coordination.
Return to Odisha and Senior Leadership
After returning to Odisha, she served as:
- Principal Secretary, Labour & ESI Department
- Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development Department
Her leadership style focused on outcomes, not optics. Programs under her supervision emphasized worker welfare, women empowerment, and child development.
In February 2023, she broke another barrier by becoming Odisha’s first woman Development Commissioner. Later, she also took charge as Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, where her leadership helped Odisha earn national recognition for water resource management.
Appointment as Chief Secretary
Her appointment as Chief Secretary of Odisha in December 2025 was widely seen as a natural progression — the result of decades of dedicated service, proven capability, and visionary leadership.
Personal Life
Despite holding some of the most demanding positions in Indian administration, Anu Garg has managed to maintain a balanced personal life — something many people admire.
She is known to be private, grounded, and deeply disciplined. Those who’ve worked closely with her often describe her as calm under pressure, thoughtful in decision-making, and respectful toward colleagues at all levels.
Language has never been a barrier for her. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Oriya, which helps her connect effortlessly with people across regions and backgrounds.
While she doesn’t seek the spotlight, her life reflects a quiet confidence — like a river that doesn’t roar, yet shapes landscapes over time.
Age
As of 2025, Anu Garg is 56 years old, having been born on March 1, 1969.
In administrative terms, she represents the perfect blend of experience and energy. With over three decades of service behind her, she brings maturity, institutional memory, and strategic clarity to her role — qualities essential for a Chief Secretary.
Her age isn’t just a number; it reflects years of learning, adapting, and leading through changing political and social landscapes.
Education and Academic Excellence
Anu Garg’s academic journey is as impressive as her administrative one.
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) – Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
- Postgraduate Degree (M.A. in Social Sciences) – Lucknow University
- Master of Public Health (MPH) – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA (2007)
Yes, Johns Hopkins — one of the world’s top institutions for public health. Her research work has been published in reputed journals, especially in areas related to health policy and public systems.
This strong academic base explains her evidence-driven approach to governance. She believes policies should be built on data, not assumptions.
Leadership Style and Legacy
Anu Garg’s leadership style can be compared to a well-calibrated compass — steady, precise, and always pointing toward long-term good rather than short-term gains.
She is known for:
- Strong ethical standards
- Focus on social sectors like health and water management
- Encouraging institutional reforms
- Promoting gender representation through example
Her appointment as Chief Secretary is not just symbolic; it signals progress, inclusivity, and recognition of merit in Indian administration.
Conclusion
Anu Garg’s journey is proof that true leadership doesn’t always come with loud speeches or dramatic headlines. Sometimes, it arrives quietly — built on years of service, knowledge, and integrity.
From district-level administration to the Prime Minister’s Office, and finally to becoming Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary, her story is one of perseverance and purpose. She represents a new chapter in Indian bureaucracy — one where competence speaks louder than convention.
For aspiring civil servants, especially women, Anu Garg’s life is more than a biography. It’s a roadmap.
FAQs
Who is Anu Garg IAS?
Anu Garg is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre and the first woman appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha.
What is Anu Garg’s age?
She was born on March 1, 1969, making her 56 years old as of 2025.
What is Anu Garg’s educational background?
She studied at Lady Shri Ram College, Lucknow University, and earned an MPH from Johns Hopkins University.
When did Anu Garg become Chief Secretary of Odisha?
She was appointed in December 2025 and took charge on January 1, 2026.
Why is Anu Garg’s appointment historic?
She is the first woman in Odisha’s history to hold the position of Chief Secretary, marking a major milestone in gender representation in governance.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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