Kohima, August 25: Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who is currently serving as the Governor of Manipur, was on Monday sworn in as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland with additional charge during a solemn ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.
The oath of office was administered by Ashutosh Kumar, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, in the presence of Neiphiu Rio, members of the Nagaland Council of Ministers, legislators, Members of Parliament, senior civil and police officials, military officers, and representatives of various civil society organisations.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, in accordance with established constitutional procedures. Following the oath-taking ceremony, Governor Bhalla was accorded the Rashtriya Salute by contingents of the Nagaland Police Mahila (IR), marking the formal assumption of his constitutional responsibilities in the state.
Addressing the gathering after taking the oath, Governor Bhalla expressed gratitude to the President of India and the Government of India for entrusting him with the additional responsibility of serving as the Governor of Nagaland. He pledged to uphold the Constitution and work with dedication for the peace, progress, and welfare of the people of Nagaland while continuing to discharge his duties as the Governor of Manipur.
Bhalla said he looked forward to working closely with the state government, public representatives, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to support Nagaland's developmental aspirations and strengthen governance. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusive growth, preserving the state's unique cultural heritage, and contributing to initiatives aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability.
Congratulating the new Governor, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed Bhalla to Nagaland and expressed confidence that his vast administrative experience would greatly benefit the state. In an official message, Rio said Bhalla's leadership and extensive understanding of governance would contribute meaningfully to Nagaland's ongoing development programmes and efforts to strengthen public administration.
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Ajay Kumar Bhalla is a distinguished civil servant who previously served as the Union Home Secretary, one of the country's highest administrative positions. Over the course of his career, he has held several important assignments in the Government of India and has played a significant role in policy formulation, internal security, disaster management, and public administration. His long administrative experience is expected to be an asset in carrying out his constitutional responsibilities in Nagaland.
His appointment comes at an important juncture as Nagaland continues its efforts to accelerate socio-economic development while pursuing peace-building initiatives and strengthening democratic institutions. The state has been focusing on infrastructure development, improving public services, and creating opportunities for inclusive growth.
With the assumption of additional charge, Governor Bhalla now serves as the constitutional head of both Manipur and Nagaland. His appointment reflects the Centre's commitment to ensuring continuity in governance and providing stable constitutional leadership while supporting the aspirations of the people of Nagaland for peace, development, good governance, and inclusive progress.
