Thiruvananthapuram | The V D Satheesan-led UDF government has begun putting its imprint on Kerala's bureaucracy with a sweeping IAS reshuffle on Monday, just days after reinstating two officers who had been under suspension.
In a politically significant move, B Ashok and N Prashanth, who had been under suspension, were recently brought back into service by the new government and quickly entrusted with important responsibilities.
Ashok has been appointed Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, while Prashanth has been posted as Special Secretary, Sports Department, with additional charge of Youth Affairs, Zoos, Museums, Archaeology and Archives.
Both officials are known for openly expressing their views on political and policy matters. They were vocal critics of the previous Left government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan.
The wider reshuffle touches almost every major sector of governance, with senior officers being shifted to departments considered crucial to the UDF's development and welfare agenda.
At the political and administrative nerve centre, Rathan U Kelkar, secretary to the chief minister, has been entrusted with additional responsibilities, including Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation, Information and Public Relations, and Welfare of the Elderly.
The move concentrates several strategic portfolios in the Chief Minister's Office.
At the top level of government, K R Jyothilal has been given additional charge of the Planning and Economic Affairs Department and appointed Member Secretary of the Kerala State Planning Board, while continuing as Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department.
The arrangement effectively links planning and public finance under one senior officer at a time of fiscal pressure on the state.
Among the most important changes, Minhaj Alam, who was serving as Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), has been transferred as Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department, and Agriculture Production Commissioner.
He has also been given responsibility for sports, youth affairs and several cultural departments.
Replacing him at KSEB is M G Rajamanickam, who moves from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to become Chairman and Managing Director of the state power utility.
Rajamanickam will also continue to oversee the Power, Environment and Parliamentary Affairs departments.
Sharmila Mary Joseph has been appointed Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department. She has additionally been given charge of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
The government has also strengthened local governance by creating a new post of Principal Director, Local Self-Government Department, and appointing Divya S Iyer to the position.
She will continue to supervise the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project and the National AYUSH Mission.
Meanwhile, T V Anupama has been shifted to the Transport Department, which will implement the government's ambitious free-ride programme for women on KSRTC buses from June 15. She will also oversee airports, metro rail projects and administrative reforms.
