Puducherry: In a recent bureaucratic reshuffle, the government of Puducherry has mandated transfers and fresh postings of eight Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers. As per the official notification, IAS Manikandan (2010 batch), belonging to the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, replacing IAS A. Nedunchezhiyan. In addition, Manikandan will oversee the Tourism and Fisheries Department. He previously served as the District Collector of Karaikal.
The list of other transferred officers includes:
IAS A. Nedunchezhiyan has been given charge of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Handicrafts, Research Institutes & Wakf, and Art and Culture Departments.
IAS P. Jawahar, currently the Chief Electoral Officer-cum-Commissioner and Secretary to the Government, has been given charge of a diverse set of portfolios, including Industrial Development, Trade and Commerce, Forests and Wildlife, Education, and Science, Technology, and Environment.
Senior IAS A. Muthamma has been elevated to Commissioner-cum-Secretary and entrusted with key areas like Planning & Research, Transport, Power, Civil Supplies, Public Works, Information Technology, and Adi Dravidar Welfare.
IAS S. D Sundaresan has taken charge of the Social Welfare, Backward Classes & Minorities, Economics & Statistics, and Sports and Youth Affairs Departments. In addition, he has been appointed Chairman of PONCARE, a crucial welfare initiative.
IAS Jayanta Kumar Ray will be responsible for Health and Family Welfare, Labour, Women and Child Development, and Cooperation Departments. Ray will also continue his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Puducherry Smart City Development Limited and Project Director for the Project Implementation Agency.
IAS R. Kesavan has been given charge of the General Administration, Personnel, Town and Country Planning, Housing, Local Administration, Vigilance, Fire Services, and Information and Publicity. He will also retain his position as Special Secretary (Home).
IAS A. Kulothungan, currently the District Collector, will now also be responsible for Rural Development and will serve as Special Secretary (Revenue), in addition to his role as Chairman of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA).
