Dr. A. Jayathilak is a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre. He was appointed as the 50th Chief Secretary of Kerala in April 2025, succeeding Sarada Muraleedharan. His tenure is expected to continue until his superannuation in June 2026.
Education & Background
Dr. Jayathilak holds an MBBS degree from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and a postgraduate qualification from the Indian Institute of Management. He has held senior administrative positions in Kerala as well as at the national level, with a professional focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development.
Career and Appointments
- Began his administrative career as Sub-Collector of Mananthavady and later served as District Collector in Kollam and Kozhikode.
- Served as Managing Director of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and Chairman of the Spices Board of India.
- Held senior secretarial posts in Disaster Management, Water Resources, and Planning & Economic Affairs.
- Prior to his appointment as Chief Secretary, he was serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) in the Government of Kerala.
- Took over as Chief Secretary on 1 May 2025, following a cabinet decision.
Key Focus Areas and Contributions
- Leads oversight of major infrastructure projects including National Highway expansion and the Vizhinjam Port development.
- Supervises the Malineyamukta Kerala (Pollution-Free Kerala) initiative and post-flood rehabilitation in Wayanad.
- Oversaw the release of the state government’s “Ente Keralam” progress report in May 2025.
- Issued orders ensuring administrative accountability during strikes, including the implementation of “dies non” provisions.
- His tenure has also seen controversy, including allegations from a suspended officer related to official document handling; no formal conclusions have been made in this matter as of now.
Summary
Dr. A. Jayathilak brings to the Chief Secretary’s office a strong record in state and national administration, with expertise in finance, infrastructure, and planning. His tenure reflects a focus on governance continuity, major project execution, and administrative accountability, during a politically and administratively active period in Kerala.