Thiruvananthapuram: Former Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar has been re-appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board, marking his second stint in the key policy-making body and signaling the V.D. Satheesan government’s emphasis on administrative experience and fiscal reforms.
The 78-year-old former top bureaucrat had earlier headed the Planning Board during the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government’s 2011-16 tenure, when he played a pivotal role in steering the state’s development planning, which included the Kochi Metro and also the Vizhinjam Port.
Chandrasekhar has long been associated with the Congress-led United Democratic Front and returned to the government’s policy framework soon after the Satheesan administration assumed office.
He was entrusted with heading the high-level committee that prepared the White Paper on Kerala’s finances, a document that sought to present an assessment of the state’s fiscal position and laid the foundation for the government’s financial reform agenda.
One of India’s most distinguished civil servants, Chandrasekhar served as Cabinet Secretary during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government headed by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, capping a career that included several key assignments in both the Centre and Kerala.
As Vice-Chairperson, Chandrasekhar will spearhead the Planning Board’s work in preparing development strategies, evaluating projects and advising the government on policy initiatives.
He is expected to be assisted shortly by a panel of expert members drawn from diverse sectors, who will be appointed by the government in the coming days. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will serve as the Chairperson of the newly constituted Planning Board.
Cabinet colleagues P.K. Kunjalikutty, Sunny Joseph, Mons Joseph, Shibhu Baby John and C.P. John have been included as members.
The appointment is being viewed as a continuation of the government’s effort to blend political leadership with experienced technocrats in shaping Kerala’s development agenda.
Chandrasekhar’s familiarity with the state’s administrative machinery, coupled with his experience at the highest levels of the Union government, is expected to lend continuity and credibility to the Planning Board as it prepares long-term development strategies while navigating the state’s fiscal challenges.
(IANS)
