Bhubaneswar, 31 May 2026: In a historic development for Odisha, IPS officer Ananya Awasthi has been appointed as the Police Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Odisha, becoming the first woman officer in the state’s history to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment marks an important milestone in women’s representation in public service and reflects the growing role of women officers in positions of responsibility, discipline, and visibility.
The appointment was made by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. A formal induction ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, where the Governor welcomed Ananya Awasthi to her new role and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. Senior officials from the Governor’s Secretariat were also present during the ceremony. Photographs from the event showed the Governor congratulating the newly appointed ADC, making the occasion a proud moment for the state.
Ananya Awasthi is a 2022-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre. Before her appointment as Police ADC to the Governor, she was serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Urban Police District, Cuttack. Her previous posting gave her valuable experience in urban policing, law and order management, public coordination, and administrative responsibilities in one of Odisha’s important urban centres.
She also has a strong academic background. Ananya Awasthi completed her education at the National Law Institute University, Bhopal, one of India’s reputed law institutions. Her legal education, combined with her training and experience in the Indian Police Service, gives her a strong foundation for a role that requires discipline, protocol knowledge, administrative understanding, and professional conduct.
The position of Police Aide-de-Camp to the Governor is considered a prestigious and responsible assignment. The ADC assists the Governor during official engagements, ceremonial functions, state events, public programmes, and protocol-related duties. The role requires close coordination with the Governor’s office, government departments, police authorities, and other agencies during important official functions.
Ananya Awasthi succeeds IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, a 2021-batch officer, who has been transferred as Superintendent of Police, Boudh district. The change came as part of a broader administrative reshuffle involving several IPS and OPS officers in Odisha. Her appointment from the post of ACP, Cuttack UPD, to the Governor’s ADC reflects the trust placed in her abilities by the administration.
The Governor of Odisha is assisted by two Aides-de-Camp, including a Police ADC and a Naval ADC. With Ananya Awasthi taking charge as Police ADC, she will now be part of the Governor’s close protocol team and will play an important role in ensuring smooth coordination during official and ceremonial duties.
Her appointment has been widely welcomed as a symbol of women’s empowerment and Nari Shakti. For Odisha, this is not only an administrative decision but also a strong message about gender inclusivity in public service. By becoming the first woman Police ADC to the Governor, Ananya Awasthi has broken a long-standing barrier and created history.
The development also comes at a time when women officers across India are increasingly taking up important roles in the police, armed forces, civil services, judiciary, and administration. Ananya Awasthi’s appointment adds another inspiring example to this growing change and shows that young women officers are being trusted with significant responsibilities at the highest levels.
For civil services aspirants and young women across the country, her journey is a source of motivation. From studying law at NLIU Bhopal to joining the Indian Police Service and now becoming Odisha’s first woman Police ADC to the Governor, her career reflects dedication, merit, and commitment to public service.
As Ananya Awasthi assumes her new responsibilities, expectations are high that she will bring professionalism, discipline, and integrity to the role. Her historic appointment not only elevates her individual career but also represents a progressive step in Odisha’s administrative landscape.
With this appointment, IPS Ananya Awasthi has created history in Odisha and has become an inspiration for many young women who aspire to serve the nation in uniform.
