Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel at his residence on the evening of August 29. Goel attended the event with his wife. He served as the state's top bureaucrat starting July 21, 2025.
Goel retires on August 31, 2026. His time in office focused on efficiency and public service. Singh thanked the official for his dedication and selfless work for the people of Manipur. He specifically praised the efforts taken to aid Internally Displaced Persons. The Chief Minister noted that he was grateful for the "resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the restoration of peace in the state."
Singh offered well wishes for the future. He hopes for a long life and good health for the departing official.
Updated at 30th August 2026 at 9:50pm
This transition marks the fifth leadership shift for the state top bureaucrat post in three years, a period defined by ongoing ethnic conflict since May 2023. The change comes as local tensions between Naga and Kuki communities flare following a string of recent violent outbreaks.
Sources indicate Rajeev Singh Thakur, a 1995 batch IAS officer, is the likely successor. The Department of Personnel and Training cleared Thakur for an inter cadre transfer from Rajasthan to Manipur on August 28. He moves over from his post at NITI Aayog and will serve until his retirement on June 30, 2029. Before Goel took the helm, the office cycled through Rajesh Kumar, Vineet Joshi, and Prashant Kumar.
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