New Delhi: In a significant administrative development, Rajiv Singh (IPS: 1993: Tripura cadre), who was serving as Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur, has been appointed as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. The appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and is being viewed as an important move in India’s internal security setup.
Key Appointment in National Security Architecture
The Secretary (Security) post is a crucial position in the Cabinet Secretariat and plays a key role in coordinating high-level security arrangements in the country. The office is responsible for overseeing sensitive security-related functions, including coordination with elite protection and intelligence agencies.
Rajiv Singh’s elevation comes at a time when the government is strengthening its internal security framework, particularly in border-sensitive regions.
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Focus on Northeast Security and “Chicken’s Neck” Corridor
The appointment is also being seen in the context of increased attention on the Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, which connects India’s Northeast with the rest of the country.
Security priorities reportedly include:
- Tackling infiltration challenges
- Strengthening border fencing infrastructure
- Enhancing surveillance in vulnerable zones
- Improving coordination between central and state agencies
Singh’s operational experience in the Northeast is considered a key factor behind the decision.
Who is Rajiv Singh?
Rajiv Singh is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tripura cadre. He has been serving as the Director General of Police, Manipur, since June 1, 2023.
He was appointed to the post shortly after ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, 2023. His tenure in Manipur coincided with a prolonged period of unrest and law-and-order challenges.
Tenure in Manipur During Ethnic Violence
Singh assumed charge as Manipur DGP following large-scale ethnic clashes triggered after a Tribal Solidarity March in the hill districts. The violence was linked to tensions over demands related to Scheduled Tribe status and resulted in:
- Over 260 reported deaths
- Large-scale displacement of residents
- Prolonged law-and-order instability in the state
He was deployed on inter-cadre deputation for a three-year tenure during this sensitive period.
Role of Secretary (Security) in Cabinet Secretariat
As Secretary (Security), Rajiv Singh will now head key responsibilities linked to national security administration. The role includes:
- Administrative oversight of the Special Protection Group (SPG)
- Coordination of security for the Prime Minister and immediate family
- Liaison with intelligence and security agencies
- Handling sensitive internal security assignments
The position had been handled on additional charge by the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief since November last year.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
The move is being viewed as part of a broader strategy to strengthen internal security management in India, particularly in regions considered strategically sensitive.
Recent administrative developments, including increased focus on the Siliguri Corridor and border infrastructure, underline the government’s emphasis on tightening national security coordination.
