CHENNAI: In an effort to enhance public communication and ensure the timely dissemination of verified information on government schemes and policies, the Tamil Nadu government has designated four senior IAS officers as official spokespersons for key departments.
All four officers – J Radhakrishnan, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Dheeraj Kumar, and P Amudha – currently hold the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and will represent a wide range of departments in media interactions.
J Radhakrishnan to Cover Critical Public-Facing Departments
1992 batch IAS officer J Radhakrishnan, who currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Tangedco, has been assigned spokesperson responsibilities for several high-impact departments. These include:
- Energy
- Health
- Transport
- Cooperation and Food
- School and Higher Education
- Textiles
- Human Resources Management
- Welfare of Overseas Tamils
His extensive administrative experience and crisis-handling skills, particularly in the health and disaster management sectors, are expected to enhance communication effectiveness.
Gagandeep Singh Bedi to Handle Infrastructure and Rural Development Portfolios
1993 batch IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi, ACS of Rural Development, has been designated as the spokesperson for departments connected to infrastructure and resource management. These include:
- Municipal Administration
- Water Supply
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
- Water Resources
- MSMEs
- Industries
Environment and Natural Resources
His long-standing involvement in rural and urban development initiatives positions him well to communicate complex inter-departmental programs.
Dheeraj Kumar and P Amudha to Cover Key Governance and Welfare Departments
1993 batch IAS officer Dheeraj Kumar, ACS of Home, Prohibition and Excise, will serve as the spokesperson for his department, handling critical internal security, law and order, and excise matters.
1994 batch IAS officer P Amudha, ACS of Revenue and Disaster Management, will represent a wide array of departments, including:
- Revenue
- Women and Social Welfare
- Welfare of Differently Abled
- SC/ST and Minorities Welfare
- Labour Welfare
- Housing
- Highways and Ports
- Tourism and Culture
- Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE)
Amudha is known for her strong communication and administrative skills, especially in managing sensitive and people-centric portfolios.
Fact-Checked, Coordinated Media Briefings Planned
According to government sources, department secretaries will be responsible for supplying verified updates and data to the appointed spokespersons. Before any public or media interaction, the information will be fact-checked and reviewed in consultation with the Chief Secretary.
This new communication structure is intended to ensure transparency, consistency, and speed in media outreach, preventing the spread of misinformation and enabling citizens to stay informed about government schemes, achievements, and welfare measures.
