Who Was Gorakh Megh? Former IPS and IAS Officer, Ex-CBFC Chairman, Dies in Mumbai
Former Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Gorakh Megh has died in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest, according to media reports. He was taken to Nanavati Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Originally from Areda village in Odisha’s Nuapada district, Megh had a distinguished career spanning policing, public administration and senior government responsibilities. Among his reported assignments were serving as Chief Security Officer to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai and as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
His death has prompted condolences from political representatives and community organisations in his home region, where he remained connected to his roots.
Who Was Gorakh Megh?
Gorakh Megh began his public service career in the Indian Police Service in 1975, when he was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Two years later, in 1977, he reportedly served as Chief Security Officer to Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
He subsequently joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1979 and was allotted the Maharashtra cadre. His move from policing to administration marked the beginning of a career that included responsibilities across several important departments of the Maharashtra government, as well as an assignment at a central statutory body.
Megh’s reported career highlights included senior roles in finance, general administration, health, home affairs and water resources. He also held positions associated with the Election Commission and the Human Rights Commission.
Education and Professional Background
Megh’s academic qualifications included a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with subjects such as English, Economics and Accountancy, followed by a Master of Commerce degree. He also held a Diploma in Business Administration. Another professional credential is listed in the source report as “CALLB Accountant”; the precise designation would require independent verification.
His educational background preceded a career that took him through both the police and civil administration, providing experience across law enforcement, government management and public institutions.
Tenure as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification
One of Megh’s notable assignments was his reported tenure as Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification from 1984 to 1987.
The CBFC functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India under the applicable legal framework. Its work forms an important part of the country’s film certification system.
Megh’s reported appointment placed him at the helm of the body during the mid-1980s. The assignment was one of the prominent milestones in a career that encompassed both state-level administration and responsibilities at the national level.
Senior Administrative Responsibilities in Maharashtra
After joining the Maharashtra cadre, Megh held several senior posts in the state administration. According to the published report, he served as Principal Secretary in the Finance and General Administration departments.
He also reportedly held Secretary-level responsibilities in the Health, Home and Water Resources departments. These assignments involved areas central to government functioning, including financial administration, internal governance, public health and water management.
In addition, he is reported to have served as Secretary to the Election Commission and held a position associated with the Human Rights Commission. These roles broadened his administrative experience beyond conventional departmental responsibilities.
Taken together, his reported assignments reflect a career across multiple branches of public administration, from police service and government security to departmental leadership and institutional responsibilities.
Post-Retirement Role at the Staff Selection Commission
Following his retirement from active service, Megh reportedly served a five-year term as Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission’s Western Region.
The Staff Selection Commission plays a key role in recruiting personnel for various posts in the Central Government through examinations and other prescribed selection processes. Its regional offices support recruitment-related activities within their respective jurisdictions.
Megh’s reported post-retirement appointment allowed him to continue contributing to public administration through a recruitment institution.
Family and Tributes
According to the report, Megh is survived by his wife, Dr Mandakini Megh, and his children, Jitendra and Purnima. His mortal remains were scheduled to be taken from his residence in Juhu, Mumbai, for the final rites.
Adhiraj Panigrahi, the MLA from Khadial, along with local community organisations, expressed grief over his death. Tributes also reflected Megh’s connection with Nuapada district, Odisha, from where he originally hailed.
Gorakh Megh’s reported career brought together service in two of India’s premier All India Services, senior responsibilities in Maharashtra and an important assignment in film certification. His passing marks the end of a long public service career that extended across policing, administration and institutional leadership.
