Govind Mohan Becomes New Union Home Secretary
On Friday, Govind Mohan, a seasoned bureaucrat and senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, took over as the new Union Home Secretary of India. He succeeded Ajay Kumar Bhalla, whose five-year term ended upon his retirement.
About Govind Mohan
Govind Mohan, who holds a B.Tech from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and a PG Diploma from IIM Ahmedabad, was previously the Union Culture Secretary. He is a 1989 batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre and has extensive experience in various roles within both the Sikkim and Central governments.
Previous Roles
Mohan has served in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in different capacities, including Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary. He played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing health protocol decisions and ensuring coordination between states. He also headed the Union Territories division, dealing with issues related to the eight Union Territories.
Challenges Ahead
One of Mohan’s immediate challenges will be to work closely with the Election Commission to ensure smooth and secure Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, starting September 18.
Achievements
As Union Culture Secretary, Mohan successfully launched two flagship programs of the Modi government: ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga movement’.
Doubts Revealed
Union Home Secretary -: The Union Home Secretary is a top government official in India who helps manage the country’s internal security, police, and other important matters related to home affairs.
IAS officer -: An IAS officer is a member of the Indian Administrative Service, which is a group of top government officials who help run the country by managing different departments and making important decisions.
BHU -: BHU stands for Banaras Hindu University, a famous university in Varanasi, India, where many students go to study different subjects.
IIM Ahmedabad -: IIM Ahmedabad is the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, one of the best business schools in India where students learn about management and business.
Ministry of Home Affairs -: The Ministry of Home Affairs is a part of the Indian government that looks after the country’s internal security, police, and other important home-related matters.
Ministry of Finance -: The Ministry of Finance is a part of the Indian government that manages the country’s money, including taxes, spending, and financial policies.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people in a state vote to choose their representatives in the state government, who will make laws and decisions for that state.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India that has its own special status and has faced many challenges related to security and governance.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav -: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a celebration in India to mark 75 years of the country’s independence from British rule, with various events and programs.
Har Ghar Tiranga movement -: The Har Ghar Tiranga movement is a campaign in India encouraging people to hoist the national flag, the Tiranga, at their homes to show patriotism and unity.
