N. Muruganandam, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, assumed charge as the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu on 19 August 2024, succeeding Shiv Das Meena. He is the 50th Chief Secretary of the state.
Education & Background
Muruganandam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering from Anna University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. His academic background is complemented by decades of administrative experience in governance and public policy.
Career and Appointments
- Muruganandam began his administrative career with field postings, including as District Collector in Coimbatore, Karur, and Chennai.
- He held senior roles in the Tamil Nadu government such as Secretary of Industries, Finance Secretary, and Resident Commissioner at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.
- Prior to becoming Chief Secretary, he served as Secretary-I to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- He officially took charge as Chief Secretary on 19 August 2024.
Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas
As Chief Secretary, Muruganandam has focused on:
- Overseeing administrative transfers and postings to ensure continuity and efficiency across departments and districts.
- Ensuring compliance with court directives and maintaining institutional accountability.
- In July 2025, he was named in contempt proceedings initiated by the Madras High Court for delay in implementing an earlier court order related to compassionate appointments. Though the required committee was eventually constituted, the court emphasized the importance of top-level administrative compliance with judicial directions.
Summary
N. Muruganandam is a senior IAS officer with a strong academic foundation and deep administrative experience in Tamil Nadu. As Chief Secretary, he plays a critical role in policy coordination, governance oversight, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state’s bureaucratic machinery. His leadership is marked by an emphasis on accountability, institutional integrity, and service delivery.