Chennai: In one of the first major administrative decisions after assuming office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Vijay, has appointed two senior IAS officers as his official secretaries at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The Tamil Nadu government has posted Dr P Senthil Kumar, a 1995-batch IAS officer, as Additional Chief Secretary–Secretary I to the Chief Minister, and G Lakshmi Priya, a 2006-batch IAS officer, as Secretary II to the Chief Minister.
The appointments were announced through a state government order issued shortly after the new government took charge.
Dr P Senthil Kumar Appointed Addl Chief Secy–Secy I to the CM
According to the official order, Dr P Senthil Kumar, who was serving as Additional Chief Secretary to the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary–Secretary I to the Chief Minister.
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A seasoned administrator, Dr Senthil Kumar belongs to the 1995 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Tamil Nadu cadre. Born on July 15, 1968, he holds a B.Sc. degree and a Ph.D.
Over his distinguished career, he has served in a wide range of assignments, including Assistant Collector, District Collector, Deputy Secretary, Special Secretary, Commissioner, Director, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Principal Secretary to Government, and Principal Secretary to the Governor.
He has also served as Principal Secretary in the Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department and is known for his extensive administrative experience across multiple sectors.
G Lakshmi Priya Posted as Secy II to Chief Minister
The government has also appointed G Lakshmi Priya as Secretary II to the Chief Minister. Prior to this posting, she was serving as Secretary of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.
Lakshmi Priya is a 2006-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Born on December 10, 1978, she holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Madurai Kamaraj University and an M.A.
Throughout her career, she has served as Commissioner, District Collector, Joint Commissioner, Collector and District Magistrate, Joint Secretary, Project Director, and Sub Collector. She is widely regarded as an experienced and efficient administrator.
Vijay Forms Government with Support of Alliance Partners
Although Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) did not secure a majority on its own in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay successfully garnered support from the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian Union Muslim League.
Together, the alliance secured the backing of 120 MLAs, comfortably crossing the 118-seat majority mark required to form the government in the 234-member Assembly.
CM Vijay Launches Three Welfare Schemes
Soon after taking office, Chief Minister Vijay announced three public welfare initiatives focused on:
- Electricity-related benefits
- Women’s safety
- Drug eradication across Tamil Nadu
The measures reflect the new government’s emphasis on public welfare and social development.
Significance of the Appointments
The appointment of Dr P Senthil Kumar and G Lakshmi Priya is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Chief Minister’s Office with experienced officers capable of coordinating governance, implementing policy decisions, and ensuring administrative efficiency.
With one senior Additional Chief Secretary and one experienced Secretary handling the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the Vijay-led government is expected to establish a robust administrative support structure from the outset.
