Amid the ongoing President’s Rule in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has announced that he will be operating from the state secretariat in Imphal three times a week. This marks a major departure from the traditional practice of governors working primarily from Raj Bhavan.
The decision comes in the wake of N Biren Singh’s resignation as Chief Minister on February 9, which led to the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13. By working directly from the secretariat, Governor Bhalla aims to ensure efficient governance, transparency, and stability in the strife-torn state.
Governor to Assume Ministerial Office in the Secretariat
To facilitate the governor’s direct involvement in administrative affairs, he will operate from the office previously used by the Minister of Education. Additionally, another ministerial office has been allocated for his advisers, ensuring that governance continues seamlessly under central rule.
Following the imposition of President’s Rule, the General Administration Department (GAD) has closed all ministerial offices in both the old and new secretariats, consolidating decision-making under the governor’s authority.
This move underscores the central government’s focus on restoring law and order in Manipur by ensuring direct and effective governance under Bhalla’s leadership.
Governor Bhalla Holds First High-Level Meeting in Old Secretariat
In his first major administrative move under President’s Rule, Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level meeting at the Old Secretariat earlier this week.
The meeting was attended by top civil and security officials, including:
✔ Security Advisor
✔ Director General of Police (DGP)
✔ Chief Secretary
✔ Other senior officials
During the meeting, the governor emphasized the need for neutrality, transparency, and efficiency in governance. He urged all officials to work in an unbiased manner, ensuring that law and order is maintained, and governance is carried out effectively in the absence of an elected government.
This marks a crucial step toward stabilizing the administration as Manipur navigates the challenges of central rule.
The Impact of President’s Rule in Manipur
President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur after months of ethnic conflict and political instability. The resignation of N Biren Singh as Chief Minister prompted the Union Government to assume direct control of the state’s administration.
Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule allows the Governor to assume full administrative authority, with the central government overseeing governance.
Key changes following President’s Rule in Manipur include:
1) Dissolution of the Council of Ministers
2) Governor assuming full administrative powers
3) Direct central government oversight of state affairs
4) Security and law enforcement strengthened to maintain stability
With Governor Bhalla’s proactive approach, the administration is expected to function more effectively, ensuring that the state’s law and order situation improves.
Who is Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla?
Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, after being appointed to the post on December 24, 2024.
A Retired IAS Officer with Decades of Experience
1) IAS Batch: 1984
2) Cadre: Assam-Meghalaya
3) Previous Roles: Union Home Secretary, key administrative positions at the central and state levels
As a former Union Home Secretary, Bhalla brings vast experience in governance, law enforcement, and security management. His expertise in handling complex administrative challenges is expected to play a key role in stabilizing Manipur under President’s Rule.
His decision to operate from the state secretariat three times a week is a strategic move aimed at ensuring closer supervision, faster decision-making, and effective governance.
With Governor Bhalla taking direct charge, several administrative and security measures are expected to be implemented to:
1) Restore peace and normalcy in the state
2) Strengthen law enforcement agencies
3) Ensure impartial governance under central rule
4) Prepare for a future transition back to an elected government
Governor Bhalla’s leadership is expected to bring much-needed administrative stability to Manipur, ensuring that governance remains functional and transparent until the state is ready for fresh elections and democratic reinstatement.
A Critical Phase in Manipur’s Governance
As Manipur navigates President’s Rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s decision to work from the state secretariat three times a week signals a hands-on approach to governance. His experience, administrative expertise, and commitment to neutrality will be crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring efficient administration.
With the closure of ministerial offices, high-level security meetings, and direct central oversight, the coming months will be pivotal for Manipur’s future. The state’s residents, political stakeholders, and security forces will be watching closely as Governor Bhalla steers Manipur through this challenging phase, laying the groundwork for its eventual return to democratic governance.
