New Delhi: In a key administrative reshuffle, the Central Government has appointed Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS:1991:AGMUT) as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur. The decision was formalized on Wednesday following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
IAS Goel replaces Prashant Kumar Singh (IAS:1993:MN), who has been relieved from the post and appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Goel’s Appointment on Inter-Cadre Deputation
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), through an official notification dated July 15, confirmed Goel’s inter-cadre deputation from the AGMUT cadre to Manipur, after curtailing his central deputation. His tenure as Chief Secretary will extend until August 31, 2025, which coincides with his date of superannuation.
This administrative change comes at a time when Manipur is under President’s Rule, following prolonged ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February 2025.
A Career Bureaucrat with Vast Administrative Experience
Puneet Kumar Goel is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, with extensive experience in both state and central roles. He has previously served as:
- Chief Secretary of Goa (Feb 2022 – Oct 2024)
- Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- CEO of Delhi Jal Board
- Commissioner of South Delhi Municipal Corporation
- Transport Commissioner of Delhi
Various senior roles in power, SC/ST/OBC welfare, and urban development at the Centre
Goel’s administrative record spans several sectors, and his appointment is seen as a strategic decision to stabilize governance in Manipur during a politically sensitive phase.
Past Controversy During Goa Tenure
During the final months of his tenure as Goa’s Chief Secretary, Goel was subject to scrutiny over allegations regarding a zone change of a property he purchased. In response to a petition before the Bombay High Court, Goel submitted an affidavit denying any wrongdoing, stating that the file in question was one of over 700 signed in March 2024.
No adverse findings were made, and the matter did not affect his service record or his central deputation.
Political Context and Future Outlook
The state of Manipur has seen ongoing demands for the restoration of a popular government, with 10 NDA MLAs recently urging Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take action, claiming support from 44 legislators — including members from the BJP, NPP, and an Independent.
Goel will now serve under Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, who was appointed as Manipur’s Governor in December 2024.
Goel’s leadership is expected to focus on restoring administrative normalcy, facilitating relief and rehabilitation, and preparing the groundwork for potential state elections in the coming months.
