Manipur government implements major IAS reshuffle alongside IPR Director

The Department of Information and Public Relations, Manipur has appointed a new Director, with A. Subhas Singh assuming the responsibility, according to an official order issued on February 14, 2026.
With the latest posting, the Department of Information and Public Relations has seen frequent changes in leadership over the years. Since March 1974, the department has had as many as 51 Directors, reflecting a high turnover in its top position, according to records and senior observers.
Communication experts and former academicians have expressed concern that such frequent changes have affected the professionalism and continuity of public relations activities of the Government of Manipur. They stated that ineffective public communication in a diverse state like Manipur can contribute to mistrust, misinformation and public unrest.
Some observers further pointed out that failure in managing public relations has, in the past, coincided with periods of administrative instability. They remarked that weak public outreach and communication by the government can aggravate governance challenges, sometimes resulting in the imposition of President’s Rule. They added that when official communication mechanisms collapse, public dissatisfaction may escalate into wider public unrest.
Interestingly, the State Government had issued a major transfer and posting order involving several IAS officers, including changes in administrative and departmental positions, according to an official order issued on February 14, 2026.
Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, has been assigned the charge of Chief Secretary (DP/Cabinet/Planning/Finance) and Chief Vigilance Commissioner, along with the post of Principal Resident Commissioner, Manipur Bhavan. N. Ashok Kumar, IAS, has been posted as Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home/ Relief and Disaster Management), along with Special Secretary (Vigilance and Anti-Corruption) and OSD, Manipur Bhavan, New Delhi.
Ningthoujam Geoffrey, IAS, continues as Commissioner-cum-Secretary handling Adult Education, SCERT, Education, S/ Hr. & Tech Education, and CEO, MIDA. Dr Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, IAS, has been posted as CEO, Manipur, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Power/ Election), along with Member Secretary, MANIREDA, Director, MANIREDA, and Officer-in-Charge of the Public Grievances Redressal and Anti-Corruption Cell, Chief Minister’s Office, in addition to holding the charge of Resident Commissioner, New Delhi.
Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, IAS, has been posted as Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Social Welfare and GAD) and Secretary, Lok Ayukta, while continuing as Member Secretary, MCPCR. Kengoo Zuringla, IAS, has been assigned the post of Secretary, Science and Technology.
Naorem Praveen Singh, IAS, has been transferred as Secretary handling YAS, MI and CADA. Neilenthang Tielen, IAS, has been posted as Secretary (MA/OBC and SC) along with Special Secretary (Planning). W. Malemnganba Chenglei, IAS, has been posted as Secretary (Cooperation) and Special Secretary (Finance).
Somorjit Salam, IAS, has been transferred as Secretary, WR, while Sharath Chandra Arroju, IAS, has been given the charge of Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, along with his post as Additional Secretary, MAHUD.