Imphal, July 16: The Centre has appointed senior IAS officer Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, replacing Prashant Kumar Singh, officials announced on Wednesday. A notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Goel’s appointment. He is a 1991 batch officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.
Goel, who previously served as the Chief Secretary of Goa, brings substantial administrative experience, particularly in Union Territories and the Northeast region. His transfer to Manipur was made possible through an inter-cadre deputation from AGMUT to the Manipur cadre, as stated in the MHA order issued on July 16.
Goel assumes his role during a challenging period for the state, which is facing ethnic unrest and complex rehabilitation issues for displaced individuals impacted by violence. His appointment is viewed as a strategic effort aimed at restoring stability and enhancing effective governance in the region. A senior official highlighted Goel’s reputation for consistent leadership and adept policy execution, which will be crucial in navigating Manipur’s unstable environment and fulfilling critical development and humanitarian obligations.
In related developments, the Appointments Committee has assigned outgoing Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh to the role of Secretary for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Singh’s brief term in Manipur was characterized by sensitive management of socio-political issues, alongside a public commitment to rehabilitate all individuals in relief camps by December 2025.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister’s post just a few days earlier.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/senior-ias-officer-puneet-goel-appointed-new-manipur-chief-secretary-1584994
Category: North East
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Publish Date: 2025-07-16 15:24:00
