The Government of Meghalaya announced M S Rao (IAS:1987:AM) as next Chief Secretary of Meghalaya superseding Hector Marwein (IAS:1985:AM). The outgoing Chief Secretary P S Thangkhiew is retiring on December 31, 2019.

Many state based newspapers term Rao’s appointment as a surprise move of the Government but Indianmandarins has reliably learnt that it was decided months back when Rao had repatriated to Cadre state.

Reportedly, Marwein has written a letter to the outgoing Chief Secretary Thangkhew urging the state govt to reconsider the appointment of Rao as CS so that he may rightfully be given Chief Secretary post to which he is entitled to as per seniority and past precedent in the state.

Hector, in his letter, said that ‘.....he has been wrongfully denied of this post in the fag-end of his administrative career.......the post of Chief Secretary in the state has always been given to the senior most IAS officer serving in the state.’

Rao is presently working in cadre state as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management department. He is also the Chairman, Board of Revenue. Reportedly, after assuming office of CS Rao shall also function as State Vigilance Commissioner, Meghalaya and continue to function as Chairman, Board of Revenue.