In a key administrative reshuffle, the Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, replacing Prashant Kumar Singh, who has been assigned a central posting.
The decision was formalized through an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Leadership Transition at a Crucial Time
Puneet Kumar Goel, a 1991-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, brings with him decades of administrative experience. He was previously serving as Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and now takes charge of the state’s top bureaucratic post amid ongoing ethnic tensions and law-and-order challenges in Manipur.
Goel replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre, who has now been appointed as Secretary of the NCST in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India.
The transfer of roles between Goel and Singh effectively represents a position swap at a critical administrative level.
Key Details of Appointments
| Name | Cadre / Batch | Previous Role | New Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puneet Kumar Goel | AGMUT / 1991 | Secretary, NCST | Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur |
| Prashant Kumar Singh | Manipur / 1993 | Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur | Secretary, NCST (Government of India) |
Implications for Manipur’s Administration
Puneet Kumar Goel’s appointment comes at a time when Manipur is grappling with ethnic unrest, security challenges, and rehabilitation efforts for thousands of internally displaced persons. His leadership is expected to bring renewed administrative focus to critical issues including governance restoration, peace-building, and developmental coordination with central agencies.
Prashant Kumar Singh, known for steering the Manipur bureaucracy through some of the state’s most turbulent periods since 2023, will now bring his experience to the NCST at the national level.
Conclusion
The leadership reshuffle underscores the Centre’s commitment to strengthening both the state and central administrative mechanisms. With Goel at the helm in Imphal and Singh overseeing tribal affairs in Delhi, the government appears to be aligning experienced officers with pressing national and regional priorities.
