Ananya Awasthi Appointed Odisha's First Female Police Aide-de-Camp to the Governor
Bhubaneswar, 31 May 2026: Odisha marks a significant milestone with the appointment of IPS officer Ananya Awasthi as the Police Aide-de-Camp to the Governor, making her the first woman to assume this esteemed role in the state's history. This development highlights the progress of women's representation in public service, showcasing the increasing involvement of female officers in prominent positions of responsibility and visibility.
Ananya Awasthi's appointment was sanctioned by Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Odisha, during a formal induction ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. The event, attended by senior officials from the Governor's Secretariat, featured the Governor welcoming and congratulating Awasthi on her new role, marking a proud moment for the state.
A 2022-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, Awasthi previously served as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Cuttack's Urban Police District. Her experience in urban policing, law and order management, and administrative responsibilities in a key urban center of Odisha prepared her for this prestigious assignment.
Ananya Awasthi holds an academic background from the National Law Institute University in Bhopal, one of India's respected law schools. Her legal education, combined with her IPS training and experience, equips her with the necessary discipline, protocol expertise, and administrative acumen for her role as Police ADC to the Governor.
The Police Aide-de-Camp to the Governor is a prestigious position, involving assistance during official engagements, ceremonial functions, state events, and protocol duties. This role requires effective coordination with the Governor’s office, government departments, police authorities, and other agencies during official functions.
Ananya Awasthi succeeds IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, a 2021-batch officer, who has been appointed as Superintendent of Police in Boudh district as part of a larger administrative reshuffle. Her transition from ACP in Cuttack to the Governor’s ADC underlines the administration's confidence in her capabilities.
The Governor of Odisha is supported by two Aides-de-Camp, including a Police ADC and a Naval ADC. With Ananya Awasthi's appointment, she becomes an integral part of the Governor's protocol team, playing a vital role in ensuring effective coordination during official and ceremonial occasions.
The appointment is celebrated as a testament to women's empowerment and gender inclusivity in public service, breaking a longstanding barrier in Odisha. Ananya Awasthi’s historic achievement as the first woman Police ADC to the Governor sends a powerful message of progress.
This development aligns with a broader trend of women across India taking up significant roles in various sectors, including the police, armed forces, civil services, and judiciary. Ananya Awasthi’s appointment exemplifies this change and highlights the trust placed in young female officers.
Ananya Awasthi's journey from studying law at NLIU Bhopal to joining the Indian Police Service, culminating in her groundbreaking role as Odisha’s first woman Police ADC, serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants and young women across the nation.
As Ananya Awasthi assumes her new duties, there is widespread anticipation of her bringing professionalism, discipline, and integrity to the role. Her appointment not only enhances her personal career but also signifies a progressive step in the administrative framework of Odisha.
With this achievement, IPS Ananya Awasthi not only makes history in Odisha but also becomes an inspiration for countless young women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform.
