In a significant move following the recent security breach in the capital, the Union government has assigned Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Parag Jain the additional responsibility of Secretary (Security). This crucial post, which had been without a regular appointee for months, oversees the protection of the Prime Minister and other VVIPs.
A Strategic Appointment Post-Blast
The government's decision, announced on Wednesday, comes just days after an explosion shook areas near Delhi's historic Red Fort, prompting a swift and high-level investigation. An official order stated that the Competent Authority has approved the assignment of additional charge to Shri Parag Jain, IPS (PB:89), with immediate effect. This arrangement will continue until a regular appointee is named or until further orders are issued.
The Vacancy and Preceding Appointments
The position of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat has been vacant since July 31, following the retirement of former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director Harinath Mishra. Prior to his retirement, the government had selected former IB Special Director RA Chandra Sekhar as the next Secretary (Security). However, Sekhar returned to his cadre to assume the role of Kerala police chief before he could take charge.
This sequence of events led to the additional charge being given to Manoj Govil, Secretary (Coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat. A Madhya Pradesh-cadre IAS officer, Govil has now handed over this responsibility to the incoming RAW chief, Parag Jain.
Role and Responsibilities of the Security Secretary
The Secretary (Security) holds a pivotal role in the nation's security apparatus. The position serves as the administrative head of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force tasked with the close protection of the Prime Minister and his immediate family.
Beyond administrative leadership, the role involves high-level policy coordination on national security matters and requires seamless interaction with various intelligence and enforcement agencies. The secretary acts as a vital link for all policy issues concerning close protection and top-tier security coordination, making it one of the most sensitive posts in the government.
The appointment of a seasoned intelligence official like Jain to this role, especially in the wake of the Delhi blast, underscores the government's focus on strengthening the security framework surrounding the country's highest leadership.
