New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: In a series of significant administrative appointments, the Central Government and the Kerala Government have announced key postings involving senior officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), and Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Amit Pathak has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) in the National Security Guard (NSG), IRAS officer Prateek Kumar Meena has been named Executive Director of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), while Kerala cadre IAS officer Dr A Kowsigan has been appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala.
Amit Pathak Appointed Inspector General in NSG
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the appointment of Amit Pathak (IPS:2007:UP) as Inspector General in the National Security Guard (NSG) on deputation.
According to an official communication issued by the Ministry on June 1, 2026, the Competent Authority cleared Pathak’s appointment against an existing vacancy in the elite counter-terrorism force. The appointment will be governed by the standard terms and conditions applicable to central deputation.
The MHA has requested the Government of Uttar Pradesh to relieve the officer immediately to enable him to take charge of his new assignment at the Centre without delay. The communication was addressed to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh through a letter issued from Kartavya Bhavan-3, Janpath, New Delhi, and signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Under Secretary to the Government of India.
About the National Security Guard
The National Security Guard, popularly known as the “Black Cats,” is India’s premier counter-terrorism and special operations force. It plays a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, anti-hijacking interventions, and other high-risk security assignments. The appointment of experienced IPS officers to senior leadership positions is considered vital for maintaining the force’s operational readiness and strategic effectiveness.
Profile of Amit Pathak
Amit Pathak is a 2007-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre who entered the service through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
Born on January 22, 1979, Pathak hails from Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh. He is the son of Dr S. K. Pathak and holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree. He formally joined the Indian Police Service on August 18, 2007, and bears IPS Identity Number 20071084.
Extensive Experience in District and Specialized Policing
Over the course of nearly two decades in service, Pathak has held several key assignments across Uttar Pradesh.
He has served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) in several strategically important districts, including Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Agra, Moradabad, and Gorakhpur. He assumed charge as Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate chief in March 2021 and was associated with several high-profile law-and-order and crime-control initiatives.
Apart from district policing, he has served in the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF), where he handled complex criminal investigations and organized crime cases. He has also worked in administrative capacities, including as Deputy Inspector General at the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) Headquarters in Lucknow.
At present, Pathak is serving as Inspector General/Deputy Inspector General of the Devipatan Range headquartered in Gonda, a position he has held since December 2024.
Known for Technology-Driven Policing
Amit Pathak is widely regarded as one of Uttar Pradesh Police’s technology-oriented officers. He has earned recognition for using modern investigative tools and digital intelligence mechanisms to tackle organized crime, cyber fraud, and sophisticated criminal networks.
Among his notable achievements was leading investigations that exposed large-scale fuel theft syndicates operating across the state. He also drew public attention for conducting surprise inspections of police stations in plain clothes, a measure aimed at strengthening accountability and improving public service delivery within the police force.
Awards and Recognitions
Pathak’s service record includes several prestigious honours and commendations.
He received the DGP’s Commendation Disc (Silver) in 2016, followed by the DGP’s Commendation Disc (Gold) in 2018 and the DGP’s Commendation Disc (Platinum) in 2019. He was also conferred the “Pride of the Nation” Award during a Vijay Diwas function organized by Veterans India in recognition of his contribution to policing and public service.
Prateek Kumar Meena Appointed Executive Director in TRIFED
In another important appointment, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Prateek Kumar Meena (IRAS:2012) as Executive Director at the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), New Delhi.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on May 30, 2026, Meena has been appointed to the Director-level post under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Five-Year Tenure
The order states that Meena will serve as Executive Director for a period of five years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
As Executive Director, he is expected to contribute to TRIFED’s efforts aimed at strengthening tribal livelihoods, enhancing market access for tribal products, and supporting the socio-economic development of tribal communities across India.
TRIFED functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and plays a critical role in promoting tribal handicrafts, forest produce, and entrepreneurship initiatives through various marketing and capacity-building programmes.
Dr A Kowsigan Appointed Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has appointed Dr A Kowsigan (IAS:2009:KL) as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala.
The appointment, announced on May 29, 2026, comes following the elevation of Dr Rathan U Kelkar (IAS:2003:KL) as Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
To Relinquish Existing Responsibilities
As per the order, Dr Kowsigan will relinquish and hand over all responsibilities and assignments currently held under the Kerala Government before assuming charge as Chief Electoral Officer.
The order further specifies that while serving as CEO, he will not hold any additional charge under the state government, ensuring complete administrative focus on electoral management and election-related responsibilities.
Key Role Ahead
As Chief Electoral Officer, Dr Kowsigan will be responsible for overseeing election administration across Kerala, including voter registration, electoral roll management, implementation of Election Commission directives, conduct of elections, and coordination with district election authorities.
His appointment comes at a significant time as Kerala prepares for future electoral exercises, requiring effective coordination between the Election Commission of India and the state administration.
Strengthening Key Institutions
The appointments of Amit Pathak to the NSG, Prateek Kumar Meena to TRIFED, and Dr A Kowsigan as Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer reflect the government’s continued emphasis on placing experienced officers in strategically important institutions dealing with national security, tribal development, and democratic governance.
While Pathak’s move is expected to bolster leadership within India’s premier counter-terrorism force, Meena’s appointment strengthens TRIFED’s administrative leadership, and Kowsigan’s posting places him at the helm of Kerala’s electoral administration.
