Since former Home Secretary Ashok Kumar Bhalla took oath as the 19th Governor of Manipur on January 3, he has focused on addressing the challenges arising from the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. However, the delay in appointing a new Chief Secretary to replace Vineet Joshi (IAS:1992:MN) has raised eyebrows.
Vineet Joshi was brought back to Delhi by the central government on December 25 as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, yet no successor has been named. This prolonged uncertainty has fueled anxiety in the state’s administrative circles.
Initially, the swift decision to appoint Ashok Bhalla as Governor and transfer Joshi suggested a clear roadmap for managing the crisis. However, the delay in announcing a new Chief Secretary contradicts the earlier urgency, creating speculation about the underlying strategy.
In this context, Joshi has yet to relinquish the post officially. Although he planned to leave office on December 31, he has stayed on for a few more days, indicating that critical decisions regarding his successor are still pending.
Three names initially emerged as frontrunners for the Chief Secretary position: Prashant Kumar Singh (IAS:1993:MN), Rajesh Agarwal (IAS:1994:MN), and Vivek Kumar Dewangan (IAS:1993:MN). However, as time passes, more contenders have entered the fray.
One prominent name is K Moses Chalai (IAS:1990:MN), the senior-most IAS officer from the Manipur cadre. His candidacy gained momentum on January 3 when the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to appoint him as Chief Secretary. In their letter, the NPO highlighted that no Naga officer has ever held the position, raising questions about inclusivity in appointments.
Another contender is Sriram Taranikanti (IAS:1992:MN), currently serving as Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
The NPO’s demand for Chalai’s appointment has added a layer of complexity to the situation, sparking speculation about whether it aims to sideline the three earlier contenders. Amid the evolving dynamics, the need for a new Chief Secretary remains critical, and resolving this impasse has become a test of the government’s strategy in managing the crisis.
Also Read: Vineet Joshi moved to Centre; Manipur awaits new Chief Secretary
Also Read: Centre effects Secretary-level reshuffle; Arunish Chawla named Revenue Secretary
