In a historic move, the DMK government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin has, for the first time, appointed four senior IAS officers as official government spokespersons to disseminate key information and departmental updates through the media.
According to an official release issued on Monday, the quartet includes senior IAS officers J Radhakrishnan, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Dheeraj Kumar, and P Amutha. This development comes just 10 months ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Previously, the government had constituted a fake news monitoring unit to counter disinformation, even though the state already has a Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). This marks the first time Tamil Nadu has appointed serving bureaucrats as official government spokespersons.
The move is seen as part of the government’s strategy to improve public outreach by providing timely and accurate information through coordinated media briefings.
Each of the four officers has been assigned a set of departments, with departmental secretaries directed to supply them with relevant announcements and updates.
All four officers bring a wealth of administrative experience, having served in various capacities across the state.
J Radhakrishnan will oversee media communications related to School Education, Health and Family Welfare, Energy, Food and Consumer Protection, and Human Resources Management.
Gagandeep Singh Bedi has been assigned Rural Development, Municipal Administration, Industries and Commerce, Fisheries, and Dairying.
Dheeraj Kumar will be the spokesperson for matters concerning Home, Prohibition, and Excise.
P Amutha will handle communications for Revenue, Disaster Management, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, and Special Programmes Implementation.