The Kerala government has appointed Minhaj Alam, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the state’s new Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Vigilance). The appointment follows the elevation of Biswanath Sinha as the new Chief Secretary of Kerala, creating a vacancy at the head of the Home Department.
Minhaj Alam brings nearly three decades of administrative experience to one of the state’s most important positions. Before assuming the new role, he served as Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and Agricultural Production Commissioner. The government has announced that he will continue to hold these responsibilities in addition to overseeing the Home and Vigilance Department until further orders.
As Home Secretary, Alam will supervise key areas of governance, including law and order, internal security, police administration, vigilance, disaster response coordination, and public safety. The Home Department plays a central role in coordinating with the Kerala Police, district administrations, and other security agencies, making the appointment significant for the state’s administrative machinery.
The appointment is part of a broader reshuffle in Kerala’s senior bureaucracy following the appointment of a new Chief Secretary. The government stated that the changes are intended to ensure continuity in administration and strengthen coordination across major departments. Senior IAS officers have been assigned new responsibilities to support the implementation of government policies and improve administrative efficiency.
Throughout his career, Minhaj Alam has held several important positions in both the Kerala government and the Government of India. He has worked in sectors including agriculture, power, infrastructure, and public administration, earning a reputation for handling large-scale administrative and development projects. His extensive experience is expected to be valuable in managing the Home Department’s wide-ranging responsibilities.
Officials said the transition in leadership is expected to be smooth, with no disruption to the functioning of the Home Department. The department will continue to focus on maintaining public order, improving policing, strengthening vigilance mechanisms, and enhancing disaster preparedness during the ongoing monsoon season.
The appointment of Minhaj Alam marks an important development in Kerala’s administrative leadership. As the new Home Secretary, he is expected to play a key role in shaping policies related to security, governance, and public administration while overseeing one of the state’s most critical departments.
