Bhubaneswar: Ananya Awasthi, a 2022-batch IPS officer, on Sunday took charge as aide-de-camp (ADC) to governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, becoming the first woman officer to hold the post in the state.Awasthi, who previously served as ACP in Cuttack, was appointed ADC to the governor as part of an IPS reshuffle on May 23. She succeeded 2021-batch IPS officer Kuldeep Meena, who is now posted as SP of Boudh district.“As the first woman to serve as ADC to the governor of Odisha, her appointment marks a significant milestone for women in public service,” a statement from Lok Bhavan said.A formal induction ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan on Sunday, where Kambhampati welcomed Awasthi to her new role. Senior officials of the governor’s secretariat attended the occasion.The governor is assisted by two ADCs — one from the Indian Navy and the other from Odisha police. “While Awasthi will serve as the police ADC, lieutenant Harshit Deo of the Indian Navy will continue as the naval ADC to the governor,” the Lok Bhavan noted, adding that the ADC plays a key role in supporting the governor during official engagements, ceremonial functions and protocol-related duties.
