Thiruvananthapuram: The newly formed Kerala government has carried out a major reshuffle in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), transferring several senior officers and appointing new District Collectors in five districts as part of a broad administrative restructuring aimed at improving governance efficiency.
In the key change, Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan has been transferred as Director of Industries Department and will also hold additional charge as Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
Vishnuraj P Appointed New Kannur Collector
Senior IAS officer Vishnuraj P has been appointed as the new District Collector of Kannur, replacing Arun K Vijayan. The reshuffle brings significant changes in district-level administration across Kerala.
New Collectors Appointed in Five Districts
The government has appointed new District Collectors in multiple districts, including:
- Kollam: Anie Jula Thomas replaces Devidas N
- Kozhikode: Madhavikutty M S replaces Snehil Kumar Singh
- Palakkad: Sudhir K replaces Madhavikutty M S (transferred)
- Pathanamthitta: Nizamudeen A replaces Prem Krishnan S
- Alappuzha: Shaji V Nair replaces Inbasekar K
Officials have been directed to assume charge immediately without availing joining time.
Key Transfers in State Departments
Several other senior IAS officers have also been reassigned across departments:
- Patil Ajit Bhagwatrao → Secretary, Finance (Resources) Department
- P B Nooh → Commissioner, GST Department
- Inbasekar K → Managing Director, Kerala Water Authority
- Snehil Kumar Singh → Director, Collegiate Education + Commissioner, Entrance Examinations
- Arun S Nair → Director, Social Justice Department + multiple additional charges
The reshuffle also involves multiple dual responsibilities across key infrastructure and welfare departments.
Industries Department Strengthened
With Arun K Vijayan moving to the Industries Department, the government is expected to strengthen its focus on industrial development and investment promotion through KSIDC, which plays a key role in Kerala’s industrial policy implementation.
Background Context
The transfer of Arun K Vijayan comes amid continued public attention surrounding the Kannur district administration following the controversy linked to the farewell event of late ADM Naveen Babu, which had sparked political and administrative discussions in the state.
Efficiency
The latest IAS reshuffle reflects a major administrative reset in Kerala’s governance structure, with strategic postings in revenue, industries, local administration, and key infrastructure bodies aimed at improving coordination and efficiency.
