Correct Answer : Govind Mohan
Seasoned bureaucrat Govind Mohan, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Sikkim cadre, has assumed charge as the new Union Home Secretary, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who completes his five-year tenure after attaining the age of superannuation with extended tenure of service.
"In pursuance of the Department of Personnel & Training's Communication dated 14th August 2024, Govind Mohan is appointed as Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs with effect from the forenoon of 23rd August. 2024," read an official order.
Who is Govind Mohan?
* Mohan holds a
B.Tech from the
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and a
PG Diploma from
IIM, Ahmedabad. He was earlier serving as the Union Culture Secretary before being appointed to the top bureaucratic post, next only to the Cabinet Secretary.
* Mohan is a
1989 batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre. He was appointed on August 14 as the Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
* Considered one of the brilliant officers currently serving the government and known for his diligence, Mohan holds extensive experience in serving both Sikkim and central governments in various roles.
* He earlier served as the additional secretary in the Union Home Ministry and handled several key divisions, including the Union Territories.
* Mohan turns 59 next month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of the central government officers, overseeing the implementation of various decisions and ensuring smooth coordination with states.
* His immediate challenge after taking charge as the Union Home Secretary is to work with the Election Commission (EC) to hold a peaceful Assembly election in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, the poll panel declared three-phase polling in Jammu and Kashmir beginning September 18.
* Mohan, while serving as the Union culture secretary, successfully launched two major flagship programmes of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government — ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga movement’.
* ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is a key initiative of the central government to commemorate 75 years of India's independence as well as the glorious history of its culture and achievements.
* Recently, the Har Ghar Tiranga movement saw people hoisting the national flag atop their homes, besides carrying out ‘Tiranga Yatras’ and ‘Tiranga’ rallies.
* Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Mohan served as the Union Culture Secretary from October 2021 to August 14, 2024..
Source : CNBC TV 18
