Thiruvananthapuram, July 21: Kerala has once again turned to seasoned administrative leadership, re-appointing former Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar as the Vice-Chairperson of the State Planning Board. This marks a second tenure for the 78-year-old veteran bureaucrat in the crucial policy-making body, underscoring the V.D. Satheesan government's commitment to leveraging vast experience for administrative efficiency and fiscal discipline.
Chandrasekhar previously chaired the Planning Board during the Oommen Chandy-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government from 2011 to 2016. During that period, he was instrumental in guiding the state's development agenda, notably contributing to key infrastructure projects such as the Kochi Metro and the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
His association with the Congress-led UDF is well-established, and he swiftly re-engaged with the government's policy framework following the Satheesan administration taking office. Most recently, he headed a high-level committee responsible for preparing the White Paper on Kerala's finances. This pivotal document offered a comprehensive assessment of the state's economic health and laid the groundwork for the government's proposed financial reform agenda.
Recognized as one of India's most distinguished civil servants, Chandrasekhar's career also includes serving as Cabinet Secretary during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. His return to the Planning Board is seen as a strategic move to infuse experienced guidance into Kerala's economic strategies, particularly as the state navigates its fiscal challenges.
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