The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially announced Dr. V Candavelou’s appointment as the new Chief Secretary of Goa, bringing fresh leadership and a wealth of experience to the role. Dr. Candavelou, an IAS officer from the 1997 AGMUT cadre, will succeed Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS: 1991: AGMUT), who has taken on the position of Secretary at the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Dr. Goel’s move follows the recent repatriation of Alka Tiwari (IAS: 1988: JH) to her home cadre.

Known for his strategic insight and commitment to governance, Dr. Candavelou has been serving as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Goa, where he has held significant additional responsibilities in finance, mines, and planning & statistics. His leadership in these departments reflects his acumen in managing complex portfolios, which will now be instrumental in his new role.

Dr. Candavelou’s appointment as Chief Secretary marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first officer from the IAS 1997 batch to hold this esteemed position. His ascension highlights the trust placed in his expertise and vision, especially as Goa navigates key developmental and administrative goals.