Syllabus: GS2/Polity & Governance
Context
- Recently, the Union Government has appointed Puneet Kumar Goel as the new Chief Secretary of Manipur, amid ongoing ethnic tensions and political uncertainty in the State, which was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025.
About the Chief Secretary of State
- It is the highest-ranking civil servant in the state’s administrative hierarchy, serving as the principal advisor to the Chief Minister and the linchpin of governance.
- It plays a pivotal role in policy coordination, crisis management, and interdepartmental leadership.
Appointment & Key Provision
- The Chief Secretary is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but derives authority from state rules of business and executive conventions.
- All India Services Act, 1951 & IAS Cadre Rules, 1954 outline service conditions and deputation norms.
- A person as a Chief Secretary is appointed by the Chief Minister (taken in Governor’s name), and the selection is typically based on seniority, service record, and trust.
- It is equivalent to a Secretary to the Government of India.
- Tenure Flexibility: No statutory tenure; can be extended or curtailed.
- Deputation Rules: Governed by Rule 6(1) of IAS Cadre Rules for central deputation
- Retirement Extension: Can be extended up to 6 months in public interest with Centre’s approval.
Key Responsibilities
- Principal Advisor: Guides the Chief Minister on administrative and policy matters
- Secretary to the Cabinet: Coordinates cabinet meetings, agendas, and implementation of decisions
- Head of State Civil Services: Oversees postings, transfers, and discipline of IAS and state service officers
- Crisis Manager: Leads emergency response during disasters, law and order issues, or health crises
- Interdepartmental Coordinator: Ensures smooth functioning across departments and resolves conflicts
Strategic Importance
- Acts as the ex-officio head of the State Civil Services Board, State Secretariat, and Crisis Management Committee.
- Serves as the interface between the state and central government, especially on centrally sponsored schemes.
- Plays a vital role in monitoring and evaluating government programs, ensuring accountability and delivery.
| President’s Rule and Its Extension in Manipur – Constitutional Basis and Procedure: Article 356 empowers the President to impose central rule if a state government fails to function in accordance with constitutional provisions. 1. The proclamation must be ratified by both Houses of Parliament within two months, and can be extended every six months for up to three years [Article 356(3)], subject to conditions like a national emergency or Election Commission certification. Legal and Political Implications 1. Manipur has seen 11 instances of President’s Rule since 1967, making it one of the most affected states in India. 2. The Assembly remains intact, allowing for revival if a new government is formed. 3. The S.R. Bommai Judgment (1994) allows judicial review of such proclamations, emphasizing that floor tests — not Governor’s reports — should determine the majority. |
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