New Chapter: Puneet Kumar Goel Takes Charge as Manipur’s Chief Secretary
Summary of the News
The Centre has appointed Puneet Kumar Goel, a 1991‑batch AGMUT‑cadre IAS officer, as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, replacing Prashant Kumar Singh. Goel, who has previously served as Goa’s chief secretary and as Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, will hold the post until his retirement on August 31, 2025. His appointment comes amid ongoing President’s Rule in the state (since February 2025), a fragile peace-building effort following the May 2023 ethnic conflict that displaced tens of thousands and claimed over 260 lives. Goel is the fourth chief secretary since the violence erupted, reflecting the Centre’s administrative recalibrations as it navigates rehabilitating displaced people, restoring normalcy, and preparing for potential legislative business during the Monsoon session, all under Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s watch
1. Why This Appointment?
Why are bureaucratic shuffles making headlines? Manipur is under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation. This isn’t just politics—it’s about healing after May 2023’s ethnic violence, which claimed over 260 lives and displaced roughly 60,000 people . With the power vested in the Governor, the Centre’s appointment of a seasoned hand like Goel signals a deliberate push to steady the ship before legislative and rehabilitation moves during the Monsoon session .
2. Meet Puneet Kumar Goel
Puneet Kumar Goel is a seasoned 1991-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre:
- Goa Chief Secretary (Feb 2022–Oct 2024): Managed diverse portfolios.
- Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: Appointed in late 2024
- South Delhi Municipal Commissioner (Transport): Oversaw urban mobility challenges.
- Held key posts in Delhi Jal Board, SC/ST/OBC ministries, and others
He replaces Prashant Kumar Singh (1993-batch, Manipur cadre), whose brief six-month tenure saw displacement management, relief camp coordination, and promises to rehabilitate all affected by end-2025
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why appoint an AGMUT officer instead of a local IAS?
To demonstrate impartiality and institutional neutrality amid deep ethnic divides. - What’s the significance of being the fourth Chief Secretary since May 2023?
It highlights administrative churn—Goel must quickly stabilize processes. - Can President’s Rule be extended?
Yes, up to six months, with parliamentary approval. The Centre seems inclined given the fragile peace. - Will Monsoon Session be convened?
Possible—restoring local government needs political optics, but risks remain amidst instability. - What immediate steps can the new Chief Secretary take?
Strengthen camp-to-home returns, fix road access, activate relief funds, and coordinate peace dialogues.
