Senior IPS officer RA Chandra Sekhar (IPS:1991:KL) has been appointed as the new Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat, succeeding Harinath Mishra (IPS:1990:KL), who is scheduled to retire on July 31, 2025.
Appointment Effective from August 1
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 14, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Sekhar’s appointment. He will formally take charge on or after August 1, 2025, or as directed by subsequent orders.
Current Role and Background
Mr. Sekhar is presently serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). With extensive experience in national security and intelligence, he will now take on a critical role within the Cabinet Secretariat.
Role of the Secretary (Security)
The position of Secretary (Security) is pivotal, involving administrative control of the Special Protection Group (SPG)—the elite force responsible for providing security to:
The Prime Minister and their immediate family
Former Prime Ministers and their families (up to five years after leaving office), provided they reside with them
Sekhar’s appointment reflects the government’s trust in his capabilities to manage one of the most sensitive and high-stakes security responsibilities in the country.
