The Government of Tamil Nadu has officially promoted six senior IAS officers from the 2002 batch to the Principal Secretary Grade, effective January 1, 2026. The order, issued by the Public Department on December 24, 2025, elevates several high-profile bureaucrats currently leading critical departments and electoral offices. This move follows the recent promotion of seven 1995-batch officers to the Chief Secretary grade, signaling a comprehensive leadership refresh within the state’s administrative hierarchy as it enters the 2026 fiscal year.
Promoted Officers: New Designations & Portfolios
The following officers have been promoted to the Level 15 pay matrix (₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100):
| Officer | Current Designation / Key Portfolio |
| Mrs. Archana Patnaik | Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Tamil Nadu & Secretary, Public (Elections). |
| C. Samayamoorthy | Secretary-II to the Chief Minister; previously Secretary, Human Resources Management. |
| Mrs. Jayashree Muralidharan | Secretary, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department. |
| Mrs. Sigy Thomas Vaidhyan | Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department. |
| Mrs. Reeta Harish Thakkar | Secretary, Public and Rehabilitation Department. |
| Dr. M. S. Shanmugam | Secretary, Food, Consumer Protection, and Cooperation (Previously in Health). |
