Mumbai: Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Gorakh Megh has died in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest, according to reports. He was taken to Nanavati Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Megh hailed from Areda village in Odisha’s Nuapada district. During his career, he served in both the police and administrative services before holding several senior positions in the Maharashtra government and the Central Government.
His reported assignments included serving as Chief Security Officer to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai and Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Who Was Gorakh Megh?
Gorakh Megh began his career in public service as an IPS officer in the Madhya Pradesh cadre in 1975. In 1977, he reportedly served as Chief Security Officer to then Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
He subsequently qualified for the IAS in 1979 and joined the Maharashtra cadre. His career thereafter included administrative responsibilities across several government departments, including health, home affairs, water resources and finance.
Gorakh Megh held a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) with subjects including English, Economics and Accountancy, followed by a Master of Commerce (M.Com.) in Commerce. His qualifications also included a Diploma in Business Administration and a credential listed as CALLB Accountant.
His reported career highlights include:
- IPS career: Entered the Indian Police Service in 1975 and was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
- Security assignment: Served as Chief Security Officer to Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1977.
- IAS career: Joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1979 and was allotted the Maharashtra cadre.
- Film certification: Served as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification from 1984 to 1987, according to the published report.
- Senior administrative roles: Held responsibilities in departments including health, home affairs, water resources and finance.
Gorakh Megh’s Role as CBFC Chairman
One of Megh’s notable reported assignments was as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification between 1984 and 1987.
The CBFC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India under the applicable legal framework.
Megh’s reported tenure at the board formed part of a career that spanned policing, state administration and work in a central statutory body.
Senior Positions in Maharashtra Administration
Megh also held senior positions in Maharashtra’s administrative machinery. According to the report, his responsibilities included serving as Principal Secretary in the Finance and General Administration departments, as well as Secretary in the Health, Home and Water Resources departments.
He also reportedly served as Secretary to the Election Commission and held a position associated with the Human Rights Commission.
These assignments placed him in departments dealing with public administration, government finance, internal administration and other areas of public service.
Post-Retirement Role at Staff Selection Commission
After retiring from active service, Megh reportedly served a five-year term as Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission’s Western Region.
The Staff Selection Commission conducts recruitment examinations for various posts in the Central Government. Its regional offices support recruitment-related processes within their respective jurisdictions.
Family and Tributes
Megh is survived by his wife, Dr. Mandakini Megh, and his children, Jitendra and Purnima, according to the report.
His mortal remains were scheduled to be taken from his residence in Juhu, Mumbai, for the final rites.
Khadial MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi and local community organisations expressed grief over his death, remembering his connection with Nuapada district in Odisha.
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