In a historic move for Kerala and India as a whole, the outgoing Chief Secretary of Kerala, Dr. V. Venu, handed over his position to his wife, Sarada Murlidharan, on September 1, 2024. This unprecedented transfer of power marks a significant moment as it is the first instance in the country where a husband has formally transferred a high-ranking bureaucratic post to his wife. The decision gained momentum after an approval from the cabinet during a session chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Context of the Transition
The transition took place at a formal ceremony held at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Venu, who has a background in medicine, and Sarada Murlidharan, both belong to the 1990 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) batch. Although there have been instances of couples in Kerala holding prominent bureaucratic positions, this unique situation of directly exchanging roles is unparalleled.
For the first time in India (at least as far as anyone can remember!), Keralas outgoing Chief Secretary, Dr. V. Venu, handed over the CSs post to his wife, Sarada Murlidharan, at a formal handover ceremony at the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Both are IAS officers of the pic.twitter.com/E0nZmDDIWi
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 1, 2024
Background of Dr. Venu and Mrs. Murlidharan
Dr. Venu was appointed as the Chief Secretary in June 2023 following the return of the former chief secretary, Dr. Manoj Joshi, from central deputation. Had Dr. Joshi opted to remain in Kerala, Dr. Venu would not have assumed this prestigious role. With Dr. Joshi committed to serve until 2027, Dr. Venu, being the next senior-most officer, took up the position.
Insights from Sarada Murlidharan
Sarada Murlidharan, who currently holds the position of the state’s most senior bureaucrat, expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to observe the workings of the Chief Secretary’s office closely through her husband’s tenure. She stated, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to witness firsthand the functioning of the Chief Secretary’s role and the various challenges that accompany it. My husband and I often discussed important matters, allowing me to prepare for this transition.”
Future Prospects and Responsibilities
With a track record of serving in vital roles, including leadership of the Kudumbashree Mission, Kerala’s prominent women empowerment initiative, Sarada Murlidharan’s appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for the state. Currently, she serves as the Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Local Self-Governments. Her tenure as Chief Secretary is expected to last until April 2025, during which she aims to uphold the principles of governance and contribute positively to the administration of Kerala.
Conclusion
This landmark appointment not only highlights the evolving dynamics in leadership roles within bureaucratic systems but also reinforces the significance of collaborative governance. As Sarada Murlidharan steps into her new role, her unique perspective and experience are anticipated to bring fresh insights and progressive change to the administration of Kerala.
