Ukhrul, Feb 20: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the state administration and ensuring closer governance, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will soon begin working from the State Secretariat in Imphal. This decision comes in light of the prevailing situation in the state, with the Governor opting to function not only from Raj Bhavan but also from the Secretariat, according to senior officials.
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Following this decision, preparations are underway to establish the Governor’s office at the Old Secretariat along with designated workspaces for his advisors. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the appointment of any advisors.
Dismissing reports in some national media outlets that the Governor will operate from the Secretariat three times a week, officials clarified that there is no fixed schedule. Instead, the Governor will work from the Secretariat as and when required, ensuring better coordination between administrative departments during this critical period.
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It may be mentioned that some national media outlets have reported that the governor will operate three times a week from the state secretariat in Imphal citing a senior government official’s report. The official also reportedly stated that the governor would use the office of the minister of education while another ministerial office would be designated for his advisers.
The report further mentioned that the rehabilitation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh is underway, including a potential position for him in the Rajya Sabha, citing a senior BJP MLA. It added that several candidates are competing for the Chief Minister’s position, including former Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and former ministers Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Th Biswajit, and Govindas Konthoujam.
Several offices in the old and new secretariats remain closed due to the President’s Rule imposed in the state.
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