Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Pinarayi Vijayan led Kerala government has issued new appointments for several top IAS officers, signaling major administrative changes across key departments.
Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph, currently the Principal Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD), has been appointed as the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department. She will also hold additional charge of the Higher Education Department. Replacing her in the LSGD is Finance Secretary Keshavendra Kumar, who has now been designated as the new Local Self-Government Secretary.
Public Relations Secretary S Harikishore has been given additional responsibilities, including NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs), the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty, and Director of the Loka Kerala Sabha.
Mir Mohammed Ali, Director of the Industries and Commerce Department, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). He will also serve as the Special Secretary in the LSGD. Meanwhile, TV Anupama will continue as Special Secretary in the LSGD, with an additional portfolio overseeing Waste Management.
P Vishnuraj, Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, has been named as the new Director of Industries and Commerce. He will retain the additional charge as Director of Sports and Secretary of the Sports Council.
In other appointments, Seeram Sambasiva Rao, Principal Director of the LSGD, has been named Special Secretary for both the Electronics and IT Department and the Environment Department, and will also serve as Director of the Survey and Land Records Department.
Haritha V Kumar, Director of Women and Child Development, will now also act as the Principal Director of the LSGD. C Chitra has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Finance (Expenditure) Department.
V Sriram will continue as Managing Director of the Kerala Financial Corporation while serving as Director of the Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Department. Anie Jula Thomas, currently Officer on Special Duty in the Industries Department, will take additional charge as Managing Director of KTDFC.
IT Mission Director Sandeep Kumar has been entrusted with full additional charge of the Remote Sensing and Environmental Center. Meanwhile, Sabin Hameed has been appointed as the new Director of the Minority Welfare Department.
The reshuffle reflects the state government’s strategy to streamline key departments and strengthen administrative leadership across sectors.
