Key Government Reshuffle in Security Establishment
In a significant move following the recent explosion in the national capital, the Union government has assigned Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Parag Jain the additional responsibility of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. This decision, announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, comes just days after the security incident near the Red Fort and addresses a crucial vacancy in the nation's top security apparatus.
Filling a Critical Security Vacancy
The post of Secretary (Security) had been without a regular appointee since July 31, creating a gap in the administrative leadership of high-level protection details. A government order stated, "The Competent Authority has approved assignment of additional charge of the post of Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat to Shri Parag Jain, IPS (PB:89), Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) under Cabinet Secretariat with immediate effect." This arrangement will remain until a permanent appointment is made.
Prior to this, the additional charge was held by Manoj Govil, the Secretary (Coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat. A Madhya Pradesh-cadre IAS officer, Govil had taken on the role following the retirement of former Intelligence Bureau Special Director Harinath Mishra, who served until July 31.
A Post with Paramount Responsibilities
The Secretary (Security) is not just another bureaucratic position; it holds immense responsibility. This official acts 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 members.
The role's scope extends beyond daily security operations. It involves high-level policy coordination on matters of national security, serving as a vital link between various intelligence and enforcement agencies. The secretary ensures seamless coordination for all policy matters related to close protection and VVIP security, making it one of the most sensitive posts in the Indian security framework.
The government's decision to hand this critical charge to the head of India's external intelligence agency underscores the heightened focus on security coordination in the wake of the Delhi blast. Before Mishra's retirement, the government had appointed former IB Special Director R.A. Chandra Sekhar as the next Secretary (Security). However, Sekhar returned to his cadre to assume the role of Kerala police chief before taking charge, leading to Govil's interim appointment and now, Jain's additional charge.
