The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has formally requested a three-month extension for Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who is due to retire on August 31. The proposal was sent to the Union government with the chief minister's approval, according to official sources.
Background of the Extension Request
Sai Kumar was appointed by the Election Commission of India during the assembly election, replacing N Muruganandam, who was later reassigned as commissioner of revenue administration and disaster management—a post Kumar previously held. The extension is sought under Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement) Benefits Rules, 1958, which allows a chief secretary to be granted an extension on the state government's recommendation, provided it is justified in public interest and receives prior approval from the Union government.
Sai Kumar's Distinguished Career
With nearly four decades of public service, Sai Kumar has held several key positions. He served as collector of Dharmapuri and Virudhunagar districts, before becoming secretary of the public works department and chairman and managing director of Tangedco under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Later, former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami posted him as secretary-I in the chief minister's office. A senior officer described him as "an officer with impeccable integrity and experience of handling critical departments such as water resources, Tangedco and chief minister's office. Services of an officer such as him are a critical necessity for this government."
Previous Extensions in Tamil Nadu and Beyond
In Tamil Nadu, extensions for chief secretaries are not uncommon. Former Chief Secretary K Shanmugam received two extensions totaling six months during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nationally, several chief secretaries have received extensions ranging from three to six months, while Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain was granted a one-year extension last year.
Key Achievements During Tenure
During Sai Kumar's tenure in the public works department, the Union government notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal following Supreme Court directions in 2013. The Supreme Court also declared the Mullaperiyar dam safe in 2014, allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet. Chennai's fifth drinking water reservoir at Thervoy Kandigai was proposed and built during his stint. Kumar also oversaw mitigation measures after cyclones Vardah, Ockhi, and Gaja hit the state.
