KERALA’S NEW CHIEF SECRETARY

The Kerala government recently named Tom Jose as the next chief secretary of the state, succeeding Paul Antony who retired last month. Mr Jose, a 1984- batch IAS officer, will have a twoyear tenure in the position. Before his elevation, Mr Jose was additional chief secretary of labour and skills, water resources and taxes ( excise only) department. Prior to this, he was posted as the managing director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and Kochi Metro Rail Limited.

According to sources, Mr Jose was chosen for the top position since Aruna Sunderraj, A. K. Dubey and Anand Kumar, who are the senior- most IAS officers in the Kerala cadre, are on Central deputation. Teeka Ram Meena who was principal secretary and chief electoral officer in the department of election has replaced Mr Jose.

Earlier in April last year, a 1981- batch IAS officer, Nalini Netto, who had been serving as the additional chief secretary of home and vigilance and principal secretary to the chief minister, was elevated to the post of chief secretary. Ms Netto retired four months later in August, after which K. M. Abraham replaced her. Mr Antony, a 1983- batch IAS officer, replaced Mr Abraham in December of the same year after the latter retired from service.

But Mr Jose is set to enjoy a long term since he is slated to retire only in 2020.