Overview
- The state government issued the appointment order on December 24, with Garg set to assume office in the new year.
- She currently serves as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary for Water Resources and also oversees Planning and Convergence.
- A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, she will be the 47th person to serve as Chief Secretary.
- Her career includes district collector roles in Sambalpur and Bargarh, leadership of the state Health department from 2008 to 2012, and Joint Secretary postings in the PMO, Health and Textiles.
- She has retained senior responsibilities across the previous BJD administration and the current BJP government, reflecting broad institutional confidence, according to the Indian Express.