Who is the New Chief Secretary of Manipur? Puneet Kumar Goel Takes Charge
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Synopsis
In a significant administrative shift, Puneet Kumar Goel has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, taking over from Prashant Kumar Singh. This change comes at a crucial time amidst the state's ongoing ethnic unrest, highlighting the importance of steady leadership and effective governance.
Key Takeaways
- Puneet Kumar Goel is the newly appointed Chief Secretary of Manipur.
- He has extensive experience from his previous role as Chief Secretary of Goa.
- His appointment comes amidst ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.
- Prashant Kumar Singh was appointed as Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
- Over 260 people have died due to ethnic violence in Manipur since May.
Imphal, July 16 (NationPress) - The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur on Wednesday, succeeding the outgoing Prashant Kumar Singh, according to official sources.
A representative from the Manipur government mentioned that a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed the appointment of Goel, a 1991 batch IAS officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.
The outgoing Chief Secretary, Prashant Kumar Singh, has been appointed as the Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Singh, who belongs to the 1993 batch of the Manipur cadre, was appointed as Chief Secretary in January this year, taking over from Vineet Joshi, who was later designated as Union Higher Education Secretary.
Prior to this, Singh served as the Secretary for New and Renewable Energy.
Goel, who has previously held the position of Chief Secretary in Goa, brings extensive experience in administration across Union Territories and northeastern states.
His transfer to Manipur was facilitated through an inter-cadre deputation from AGMUT to the Manipur cadre, as per the official order from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated July 16.
This appointment comes at a critical time when the state is facing ethnic turmoil and complicated rehabilitation efforts for displaced individuals affected by violence, indicating a strategic move to secure stability and effective governance.
The brief tenure of the outgoing Chief Secretary, Prashant Kumar Singh, was characterized by his adept management of socio-political issues and his public commitment to rehabilitate all relief camp inmates by December 2025.
Officials believe that Goel's strong reputation for steady leadership and effective policy implementation will be vital in navigating the state’s challenging landscape while addressing urgent developmental and humanitarian needs.
Since May 10, over 260 individuals have lost their lives, and around 70,000 people from various communities have been displaced amid ethnic conflicts between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities.
Notably, Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, shortly after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's position.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the gravity of this appointment in the context of Manipur's current challenges. The government’s decision to appoint Puneet Kumar Goel reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of a state facing ethnic tensions. His expertise is crucial for navigating these complex issues, and we must remain vigilant in holding the administration accountable to the people of Manipur.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Chief Secretary of Manipur?
The new Chief Secretary of Manipur is Puneet Kumar Goel, appointed by the Central Government.
Why was Puneet Kumar Goel appointed?
Goel was appointed to bring experienced leadership to Manipur, particularly during its ethnic unrest and rehabilitation efforts.
What was Prashant Kumar Singh's role before Goel?
Prashant Kumar Singh served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur before being appointed as the Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
What challenges does Manipur face currently?
Manipur is currently dealing with ethnic violence, with over 260 fatalities and around 70,000 displaced individuals since May 10.
What is the significance of Goel's appointment?
Goel's appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure stability and effective governance during a volatile period in the state.
