Govind Mohan, 1989-batch IAS officer, appointed as new Union Home Secretary
Govind Mohan holds an electrical engineering degree from BHU-IIT Varanasi. He has been serving as the Union Culture Secretary since October 2021. His extensive career in government includes two previous stints in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday appointed Govind Mohan as the next Union Home Secretary. He is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre. Currently, he is working as a secretary at the Ministry of Culture. Mohan will succeed Ajay Kumar Bhalla after the latter's tenure gets over on August 22. Until then, Mohan will serve as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
"The appointment committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Govind Mohan, IAS(SK:89), Secretary, Ministry of Culture as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Home Affairs with immediate effect. The officer will take over as Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs vice Ajay Kumar Bhalla, IAS (AM: 84) on completion of his tenure on 22.08.2024," said an order from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Who is Govind Mohan?
59-year-old Mohan is currently serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, a position he has held since March 27, 2024. With a rich background in government service, including a brief period as Secretary of the Department of Sports earlier this year, Mohan brings valuable experience to his role. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture, particularly with the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections on the horizon.
Challenges ahead for Mohan
One of the immediate challenges Mohan faces is overseeing the security assessment and arrangements for these elections, a task that demands close collaboration with the Election Commission. The Union Home Ministry has been entrusted with providing the necessary security personnel, as recommended by the Election Commission, to ensure the safety of candidates and the peaceful execution of the polls in the Union Territory.
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