Chennai: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar on November 13, 2026, launched One Notch Better, a book authored by retired IAS officer Harmander Singh, who served as Additional Chief Secretary in the State government.
The event in Chennai brought together former judicial and political figures, including retired Madras High Court judge Justice P. Jyothimani, who received the first copy, and former Tamil Nadu Minister S. Gokula Indira.
The book draws on Singh’s administrative experience across several departments of the Tamil Nadu government. Describing the publication, Singh clarified that it was not intended to be a memoir but an account of the knowledge and insights he gathered during his years in public service.
Who Is Harmander Singh?
Harmander Singh is a retired 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre.
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He retired from service on October 31, 2022, after a career spanning several administrative assignments in the State. He worked across district administration, urban governance and multiple departmental leadership roles.
Harmander Singh holds an M.Sc. in Botany and a postgraduate diploma in Democratisation, Public Policy and Governance.
From Sub-Collector to Senior Departmental Positions
Singh began his administrative career as Sub-Collector of Dharapuram. He subsequently served as a District Collector and held responsibilities in several departments and public institutions.
His career included assignments in areas such as:
- District administration: Served as District Collector, including in Dindigul.
- Sericulture: Headed the Sericulture Department.
- Transport: Held senior responsibilities in the Transport Department.
- Health: Served in the Health Department.
- Handlooms and Textiles: Worked as Secretary of the department.
- Municipal Administration and Water Supply: Held senior responsibilities in the department, which deals with urban local bodies, sanitation and water-related services.
His administrative experience also included urban development, municipal administration, solid waste management and water supply management.
What Is ‘One Notch Better’ About?
At the launch, Singh explained that the book is not a conventional autobiography or a chronological account of his personal life.
Instead, it brings together the administrative knowledge he accumulated during his career. He said his experience of working in different capacities and handling challenging assignments had shaped the lessons presented in the publication.
Singh also spoke about his early years in Tamil Nadu. Originally from New Delhi, he recalled arriving in Dharapuram at the beginning of his career without anticipating that the State would eventually become his home. He said Chennai had become home for his family, with his children settling in the city.
What Did the Speakers Say at the Launch?
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar highlighted the contribution of officers who serve in States away from their places of origin. He noted that the Indian constitutional framework enables civil servants from different parts of the country to contribute to the development of the States in which they are posted.
He also praised Singh’s work across several departments and said experienced officers could help improve governance by sharing their administrative knowledge.
Retired Madras High Court judge Justice P. Jyothimani described the book as a potential reference for future administrators. Recalling his professional association with Singh, he referred to the retired officer’s work on environmental issues, particularly the implementation of court directions concerning garbage segregation.
Former Minister S. Gokula Indira also recalled working with Singh when he was associated with the Handlooms and Textiles Department. She appreciated his guidance on departmental decisions, including the involvement of local weavers in the free dhoti and saree distribution scheme.
The launch highlighted how the experience of retired civil servants can continue to contribute to public administration through documentation, knowledge-sharing and guidance for future officers.
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