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Odisha Needs Its First Woman Chief Secretary

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:02:57 +0000

With crimes against women becoming a grave concern in Odisha, the state finds itself at a crossroads. The situation demands not just policy corrections but a deeper shift in how the administration understands and responds to gender-based violence. This is the moment for Odisha to appoint its first woman Chief Secretary and IAS Anu Garg is the perfect candidate.

This move would carry significance far beyond symbolism. A competent, experienced and reform-minded woman bureaucrat at the top can bring a sharper focus to issues that have long been sidelined in mainstream governance. Evidence from across India shows that women leaders tend to prioritise safety, welfare, and last-mile service delivery. Odisha urgently needs that orientation.

A woman Chief Secretary can drive systemic reform across key departments: speeding up police modernisation, strengthening women’s help desks, improving investigation standards, and ensuring technology-backed monitoring of crime. Her leadership can integrate scattered efforts from various state departments including home, health, education, and panchayati raj, into a coordinated safety architecture.

Just as importantly, she can anchor the social side of the challenge. Campaigns against harrassment and rapes, domestic violence, trafficking, and child marriage need credibility and community trust; a woman leader at the helm lends both. Her presence would inspire more women to join the civil services and policing, widening the representational base the state badly needs.

Odisha has never shied away from progressive decisions. This one decision is completely in line with the motto of the Central Government – “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and it would go a long way in cementing the public perception that the Government takes the grave issue seriously.

Giving the state its first woman Chief Secretary now would send a clear message: women’s safety is not just a statistic to be reviewed, rather it is a governance priority that requires leadership with empathy, authority, and resolve.

This is the right moment for Odisha to lead by example.
There are several other reasons why IAS Anu Garg is the right person for the top job in the state.

Ms. Anu Garg, IAS (Odisha Cadre, 1991), is a senior civil servant whose career has spanned district administration, public health, labour governance, water management and high-level planning roles in both the state government and the Centre.

A graduate of Lady Shri Ram College and a gold medallist in Psychology, she went on to pursue a Master’s in Sociology from Lucknow University before completing a public health programme at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—an academic trajectory that later informed much of her administrative work.

Garg began her career with sub-divisional assignments in Jharsuguda and Kalahandi, followed by stints as Collector in Bargarh and Sambalpur. These early postings grounded her in the complexities of district governance, land management and field administration. She moved into the health sector soon after, taking on a series of responsibilities in the Health and Family Welfare Department, both in the state government and on deputation to the Union government. Her roles included Director, Deputy Secretary and later Joint Secretary, with responsibilities ranging from disease control to public health policy.

Between 2012 and 2017, she served on central deputation, including an important stint in the Prime Minister’s Office, and later as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles. Returning to Odisha, she held senior positions in Labour and ESI, followed by a sustained tenure in the Water Resources Department, where she served as Principal Secretary and subsequently Additional Chief Secretary.

In 2023, Garg assumed charge as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Convergence), a role central to monitoring flagship programmes and coordinating inter-departmental planning. She has also held additional charge as Director General of the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration.

Across her postings, Garg’s career reflects a steady progression through critical sectors—health, labour, water management and planning—each contributing to her current standing as one of Odisha’s senior-most administrators. Her trajectory illustrates both administrative versatility and long-term engagement with public policy at the state and national levels.

IFS Pujya Priyadarshni credits her resilience for cracking UPSC exam in her 4th attempt..

Anuj Gaur — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 14:22:43 +0000

As any aspirant would tell you, cracking the UPSC exam is not an easy feat. It requires rigorous preparation, immense dedication, and a deep understanding of a wide range of subjects including history, geography, politics, and current affairs.

The exam consists of three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview – each demanding different skill sets and thorough knowledge. The competition is fierce, with lakhs of aspirants vying for a limited number of vacancies. Success hinges not just on academic knowledge but also on strategic planning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and a strong sense of purpose.

Today, we share the success story of IFS Pujya Priyadarshini that will inspire those who aspire to become an Officer in the Indian Administrative Services.

After graduating with a B.Com degree in Delhi, Pujya Priyadarshini decided to pursue her studies further at Columbia University in New York, specializing in Public Administration. She had a promising job offer after completing her post-graduation, but her heart was set on a different path: becoming an IFS officer. This dream inspired her to diligently prepare for the UPSC exams.

Her journey began with her first attempt in 2013, but unfortunately, it ended in disappointment. Undeterred, she took a three-year break before trying again in 2016. This time, she successfully cleared the Prelims and Mains, but the interview round proved challenging, leading to another setback.

Despite these obstacles, Pujya remained determined. In 2017, she made her third attempt and came closer to success, yet victory still eluded her grasp, causing her to doubt her aspirations. However, with the unwavering support of her loved ones, she resolved to give it one final try.

Her perseverance finally paid off in 2018 when she secured an impressive AIR-11 rank, achieving her dream of becoming an IFS officer.

Reflecting on her journey, Pujya Priyadarshini emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of failure. She advises aspiring candidates to see setbacks as opportunities for personal growth and to persistently pursue their goals with unwavering dedication.

Pujya’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that with persistence and support, dreams can indeed come true. Her journey from Delhi to Columbia University and eventually to the esteemed ranks of the IFS is an inspiring tale for anyone striving to achieve their ambitions. Her advice to never give up and to learn from every setback resonates not only with UPSC aspirants but with anyone facing challenges in pursuit of their dreams.

As she looks forward to her career in the Indian Foreign Service, Pujya Priyadarshini continues to inspire others with her story of grit, determination, and unwavering faith in her dreams.

IAS Anmol Sagar & IFS Kanishka Singh’s love story is an inspiration to young aspirants

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:29:19 +0000

Success Story of IAS Officer Anmol Sagar: Anmol Sagar, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and born in 1995, achieved success in the UPSC Exam at the age of 24. Despite not passing the Prelims exam in his first attempt, he persevered. Currently serving in the Maharashtra cadre, his wife, Kanishka Singh, is also an IFS officer. Anmol Sagar opted for Geography as his optional subject for the UPSC exam.

In the age of social media, love stories involving couples from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) are gaining popularity online, captivating users with their romantic narratives. Among these, one story currently making waves is the love story of IAS officer Anmol Sagar and IFS officer Kanishka Singh.

According to reports, both Anmol and Kanishka successfully cleared the UPSC examination in 2018. Subsequently, they crossed paths at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). During their training, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, ultimately culminating in marriage.

For those unfamiliar with their journey, the couple cleared the UPSC exam on their second attempt. Anmol, a graduate of Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, first attempted the exam in 2017 at the age of 22 but was unsuccessful. However, he persevered and succeeded in cracking the exam on his subsequent attempt.

IAS Anmol Sagar Age: IAS Anmol Sagar, appointed in the Maharashtra cadre, was born on June 6, 1995 in Uttar Pradesh. Currently, he is posted as the SDM (Deori, Gondia District) in Deori, Gondia District. His wife, IFS Kanishka Singh, is posted at the embassy of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan (IFS Kanishka Singh Husband). She holds the position of Second Secretary and Head of Chancery (Famous IAS Couple).

IAS Anmol Sagar UPSC Journey: Anmol Sagar pursued B.A. (Hons) in Geography from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University. While in college, he aspired to become an IAS officer and contribute to public service. Graduating in 2016, he attempted the UPSC exam at the age of 22 in 2017, selecting History as his optional subject. However, he faced disappointment as he was unsuccessful in this attempt.

IAS Anmol Sagar Tips: IAS Anmol Sagar is quite active on Quora. He tries to answer users’ queries there. On Instagram, Anmol has nearly 40 thousand followers (IAS Anmol Sagar Instagram). Anmol Sagar advises all candidates that during exam preparation, it is quite challenging. At that time, it is necessary to study with a positive mindset.

IAS Gagan Singh Meena from Rajasthan cracked UPSC twice

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:07:55 +0000

Gagan achieved the 120th rank overall in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Exam and secured an impressive 2nd rank in the ST category.

Gagan Singh Meena from Rajasthan has accomplished a remarkable feat by cracking the UPSC exam twice. In his first attempt in 2021, he secured a rank of 592 and was selected for the IPS. On his second attempt, he achieved a position in the prestigious IAS.

Originating from Meena Baroda village in Rajasthan, Gagan secured the 120th rank in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Exam, with an impressive 2nd rank in the ST category. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed his gratitude via his official Twitter handle on Sunday, saying, “Officially allotted IAS service. Many thanks and gratitude to everyone involved in this journey.”

Reports indicate that Gagan’s late father’s dream was for him to become a collector, a dream that Gagan fulfilled by cracking UPSC. However, Gagan’s aspiration was to become an IAS officer and despite facing challenges, he persevered. Coming from a family of farmers, his family encouraged him to stop pursuing his dream but he remained determined to achieve his goal.

Gagan Singh Meena, who completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT BHU, currently serves as an IPS officer in the Haryana Cadre. While preparing for the exam, he lived in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar with his friend Prince Kumar from Bihar, who also cleared the UPSC examination. According to Prince, Gagan did not completely abstain from online entertainment, continuing to use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and watching reels. However, he set daily goals to complete portions of the syllabus, maintaining a disciplined study approach.

Initially, Gagan limited his social media use, deciding to post only on the day his results were announced. He adhered to this plan and shared his achievement after becoming an IPS officer. Despite this restraint, he admitted in an interview to regularly watching reels during his preparation.

IAS Navneet Mann secured AIR 33 in UPSC exam 2nd attempt…

Anuj Gaur — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:33:23 +0000

Navneet Mann, primarily residing in Amritsar, achieved a top position in the 2019 UPSC CSE exam, securing a rank of 33 on her second attempt. Let’s learn about her preparation strategy from Navneet herself.

Success Story of IAS Topper Navneet Mann: Navneet Mann is one of those candidates who initially did not intend to pursue a career in civil services. She decided to take the UPSC exam in her final year of graduation and succeeded on her first attempt. However, she was not satisfied with her rank and the position she received, so she took the exam again while still in training. On her second attempt, Navneet achieved satisfactory success, securing the 33rd rank in the UPSC CSE exam. In an interview with Delhi Knowledge Track, Navneet shared key points of her strategy. Let’s explore them in detail.

Engineer Navneet: Navneet’s father is an inspector in the Delhi Police. Despite not having any family members in public service, Navneet decided to pursue engineering after the twelfth grade. He was selected and completed his graduation in computer engineering in Delhi. Originally from Amritsar, Punjab, Navneet’s education took place in Delhi due to his father’s job. Inspired by his father, Navneet turned his focus toward civil service. After a few months of contemplation, he decided to take the UPSC CSE exam and began preparing in his third year of graduation.

Selected in the first attempt – After completing graduation, Navneet prepared for a year and made her first attempt in 2018. She was selected in the first attempt and secured a rank of 501. With this rank, Navneet was allotted the Defense Account Service. Although she joined, she was not happy because she wanted to become an IAS. While on training, Navneet made a second attempt and achieved the desired rank and position in the 2019 exam. Navneet considers her father as a source of inspiration, who not only motivated her to enter this field but also kept motivating her from time to time.

Source Limited – Navneet says that it is especially important for candidates to keep their sources limited for preparing for the mains examination. Do not gather so many books that you cannot revise. Read fewer books repeatedly, to the extent that when asked to write an answer in the exam, you do not face any trouble thinking, framing, and writing the answer within a limited time. She says that during the main exam, there is so little time that if you spend a lot of time thinking, you will not have time left to write.

Navneet further says that while it is necessary to keep limited books, there are also some subjects whose books are not available even after searching. For this, you will have to rely on the UPSC syllabus. Keep it in front of you and see which keywords UPSC has used for it. By using them, you can search for these topics on the internet. Along with this, information about them can also be found from toppers’ copies, videos, etc. Do not waste time searching for books for them. If you want, you can also take some notes from the coaching. Prepare notes according to the syllabus.

Go for time-tested environment tests – Navneet says that giving test series is not only necessary for practice, but also teaches you to write your point within time. She says that if you are preparing on a topic from five or six sources and the same question comes, then you need to jot down all those sources in one place, and that too within time and under exam pressure. Here, test series helps you. You learn to write better answers within the time limit under the same pressure. Another important thing Navneet believes in is notes. She says that revising with notes is easy. She also acknowledges that her mistake in the first attempt was not revising in the end. Therefore, make sure to make notes and keep them concise so that you can revise easily. Revision is very important to succeed in this exam.

IAS Ahitya Aladakatti from Belagavi district secured rank 250 in UPSC exam…

Anuj Gaur — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:54:36 +0000

Sahitya Aladakatti from Bailhongal in Belagavi district has achieved a rank of 250 in the UPSC examinations. An alumna of BVB College of Engineering and Kittur Channamma Sainik School for Girls, her father, Mallikarjun Aladakatti, expressed the family’s joy at her accomplishment. “She has been an outstanding student throughout her life and has been preparing for the UPSC exams for six years. We sent her to New Delhi for coaching a year ago,” he said.

Mr. Bale, an engineering graduate from Gogte Institute of Technology in Belagavi, is currently serving in the Indian Postal Service. He cleared the examination in 2019-20 and was posted to New Delhi. However, he aspired to join the All India Services, such as IAS or IPS, and decided to appear again. This was Gajanan’s last attempt, and he performed well. “We are happy that he cleared it this time,” said Amar Bale, the officer’s younger brother and a Belagavi-based engineer.

Saumya Jha IAS given Addl charge as Joint Secretary- Energy Department, Jaipur…

Anuj Gaur — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 05:15:59 +0000

Bureaucrats Magazine – Breaking News –Dr. Saumya Jha IAS (Rajasthan 2017) presently Chief Executive Officer And Chief Operating Manager, Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RGAVP), Jaipur, has been given Additional charge as Joint Secretary To Government Energy Department, Jaipur.

IAS SudhirKumar Is Now CDO kanpur Nagar……

Anuj Gaur — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 02:20:49 +0000

Bureaucrats Magazine – Breaking News-Sudhir Kumar IAS posted as Chief Development Officer- Kanpur Nagar, UP. Shri Sudhir Kumar IAS (Uttar Pradesh 2018) presently Chief Development Officer – Ambedkar Nagar, has been transferred and posted as Chief Development Officer- Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Bureaucrats Magazine – Breaking News-“Happy Birthday to Mr. Sudhir Kumar, the diligent IAS officer of the 2018 batch, currently serving as Chief Development Officer in Kanpur Nagar! Your commitment to urban development and the welfare of the city is truly commendable. Wishing you a day filled with joy and celebration. May your efforts continue to shape Kanpur positively, contributing to its growth and progress. Your dedication inspires us all. Thank you for your service, and may your birthday mark another year of positive impact and development for the people of Kanpur Nagar!”

IAS officers promoted include Nitin Ramesh Gokarn who is currently principal secretary housing;…

Anuj Gaur — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:33:31 +0000

Bureaucrats Magazine – Breaking News-Among the IAS officers promoted include Nitin Ramesh Gokarn who is currently principal secretary housing; Himanshu Kumar who is posted as principal secretary rural development; Kalpana Awasthi posted as principal secretary Governor and Rajneesh Gupta posted as principal secretary political pension and civil defence.

Nitin Ramesh Gokarn IAS posted as Principal Secretary- Housing and Urban Planning Deptt, UP…..

Anuj Gaur — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:21:59 +0000

Bureaucrats Magazine – Breaking News-Shri Nitin Ramesh Gokarn IAS Nitin Ramesh Gokarn IAS posted as Principal Secretary- Housing and Urban Planning Deptt, UP