Govind Mohan Takes Charge as New Union Home Secretary

Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary, taking over from Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Mohan was previously serving as Union Culture Secretary and has a rich background in both state and central government roles. His immediate task is to manage peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan will assume the role of Union Home Secretary on Thursday, following Ajay Kumar Bhalla's five-year tenure at the post, according to official sources.

Mohan, an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University and IIM Ahmedabad, was the Union Culture Secretary before this appointment. A 1989-batch IAS officer from the Sikkim cadre, he has also joined the Union Home Ministry as an Officer on Special Duty.

Known for his diligence and wide-ranging experience in both state and central governments, Mohan previously handled key divisions in the Home Ministry, including Union territories. He was also a crucial figure in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon taking charge, Mohan's immediate priority will be to work closely with the Election Commission to ensure peaceful assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are slated to begin on September 18.

During his tenure as the Union Culture Secretary, Mohan spearheaded initiatives like the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and the 'Har Ghar Tiranga movement,' which have created job opportunities for thousands of women in self-help groups through flag production.

(With inputs from agencies.)