New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS): Senior IAS officer L.C. Goyal Thursday took over as the new union home secretary. His predecessor Anil Goswami was removed Wednesday.

Goyal, a 1979 batch officer, is the former rural development secretary.

"I feel humbled by this huge responsibility. I will fulfil this responsibility with utmost sincerity, commitment, diligence and with a profound sense of accountability. To be able to do so, I solicit active support and cooperation of all stakeholders," he said after assuming the office, according to an official release.

He said: "The home ministry mandate is essentially to ensure effective maintenance of internal security in the country. To achieve this, necessary mechanisms, policies, and measures are in place. Wherever required and appropriate, improvements will be made within the given timelines. This will be so done in close association and coordination with the state governments and union territories."

Goswami resigned Wednesday after he was told by the government to put in his papers over his alleged role in trying to stall the arrest of former Congress minister Matang Sinh in the multi-crore-rupee Saradha scam.

The government later announced Goyal's appointment.