CHENNAI – Following the historic swearing-in of C. Joseph Vijay as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the state government has moved swiftly to establish his executive team. In a major administrative order (G.O. Rt. No. 1654) issued today, May 10, 2026, two senior IAS officers have been handpicked for key roles in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The Public (Special A) Department, under the direction of the Governor, has sanctioned the temporary creation of two high-ranking positions: Secretary-I (in the Chief Secretary Grade) and Secretary-II (in the Super Time Scale) to the Chief Minister.
New Leadership in the CMO
The following transfers and postings have been notified to fill these newly created roles:
-
Dr. P. Senthilkumar, IAS: Formerly the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, he has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary-I to the Chief Minister.
-
Tmt. G. Laxmi Priya, IAS: Previously serving as the Secretary to the Government for the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, she has been appointed as Secretary-II to the Chief Minister.
A Strong Administrative Foundation
The appointments are designed to provide the new administration with deep institutional knowledge. Dr. Senthilkumar’s elevation to the rank of Secretary-I—a post declared equivalent in status to that of the Chief Secretary—signals the government’s intent to have a heavy-hitting administrative veteran at the helm of policy execution.
Similarly, Tmt. Laxmi Priya’s role as Secretary-II is declared equivalent to the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, ensuring that the CMO is equipped with officers capable of handling the massive scale of state responsibilities.
Immediate Implementation
The order, signed by Chief Secretary M. Saikumar, clarifies that these posts are sanctioned for an initial period of one year or until the need for them ceases. By placing experienced bureaucrats from crucial sectors like Health and Tribal Welfare into his inner circle, CM Vijay appears to be prioritizing social welfare and administrative efficiency on his first day in office.
These changes take effect immediately as the new government prepares to face its first assembly session and a vote of confidence later this week.
