Centre Moves to Extend President’s Rule in Manipur, Appoints New Chief Secretary Ask ChatGPT

Centre Names Puneet Kumar Goel as Manipur Chief Secretary Ahead of Likely President’s Rule Extension

In a strategic bureaucratic reshuffle, the central government has appointed senior IAS officer Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, signaling preparations for a possible extension of President’s Rule in the state during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

A 1991-batch officer from the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, Goel replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, who has held the post since just before President’s Rule was imposed in January 2025. Manipur has remained under central rule following the resignation of then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki groups.

Sources within the BJP say this appointment is part of a broader bureaucratic and gubernatorial overhaul, tied to “expected legislative matters related to Manipur.” These likely include the extension of President’s Rule amid continuing political deadlock and stalled reconciliation efforts.

Goel, a seasoned administrator, brings extensive governance experience, having previously served as Chief Secretary of Goa and in critical roles across the Delhi Jal Board, Delhi’s transport department, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, and several Union ministries overseeing power and welfare of SC/ST/OBC communities.

His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With Manipur’s civilian administration currently being managed by the Governor Ajay Bhalla, Goel’s entry is seen as crucial for steering the state through a highly sensitive and uncertain period.

Despite calls from elected Meitei and Naga NDA MLAs to restore democratic governance in Manipur, the Centre appears to be maintaining its cautious stance, citing ongoing instability and lack of consensus in peace talks with Kuki-Zo groups.