In a significant administrative reshuffle ahead of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s upcoming official visit to the United States, the Tamil Nadu government has appointed N. Muruganandam as the new Chief Secretary. Muruganandam, a senior IAS officer of the 1991 batch, takes over from Shiv Das Meena (1989 batch), who is set to retire in October this year.
The announcement was made on Monday through a government order, and Muruganandam has already assumed office at the Secretariat.
Known for his extensive experience and expertise, Mr Muruganandam previously served as Secretary-I to the Chief Minister and is expected to remain in his new role until his retirement in December 2027.
A distinguished graduate in computer science engineering with an MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, Muruganandam brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
His career includes key roles such as Collector for Coimbatore, Karur, and Chennai districts, Secretary of the Finance and Industries Departments, and Resident Commissioner at the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.
Notably, he has served as Industries Secretary under both the AIADMK and DMK governments, where he played a pivotal role in attracting investments to the state.
As for Shiv Das Meena, who has held the position of Chief Secretary with distinction, he will be transitioning to a new role as the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA). This appointment follows recommendations made by a Selection Committee and is expected to be formalized in the coming days.
The timing of this change is particularly noteworthy as Chief Minister Stalin prepares for his visit to the U.S., which is expected to focus on strengthening international relations and promoting investment opportunities for Tamil Nadu.
