In a significant bureaucratic development, the Kerala Government has appointed Dr A Jayathilak as the 50th Chief Secretary of the state. A 1991 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Jayathilak is currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance). He will take over from the outgoing Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, who is set to retire on April 30.
While Manoj Joshi, the senior-most IAS officer from Kerala’s 1989 batch, was among the contenders for the top post, the government opted for Jayathilak as Joshi continues to serve on central deputation. Another 1991 batch officer, Raju Narayana Swamy, is yet to be promoted to the Chief Secretary grade.
Dr Jayathilak began his civil service journey as Sub-Collector of Mananthavady and went on to serve as the District Collector of Kollam and Kozhikode. He has held several key positions, including Managing Director of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). A native of Thiruvananthapuram and a graduate of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College (1990), he is known for his intellectual versatility and grassroots governance experience.
Notably, Jayathilak was instrumental in launching impactful initiatives during his tenure as district collector, such as career guidance programmes for school students. His proactive engagement with educational institutions earned widespread appreciation.
His contributions to the tourism sector, alongside officials like Amitabh Kant and V Venu, played a vital role in transforming ‘Kerala Tourism’ into a global brand. He also brought similar success to Chhattisgarh as the first Managing Director of the state’s tourism board during his deputation, branding and marketing it internationally within just two years.
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Dr Jayathilak, also a former quiz champion, brings with him a broad spectrum of administrative and academic excellence. His appointment comes amid internal friction within the bureaucratic ranks. Set to retire in June 2026, Jayathilak will serve a relatively longer tenure compared to his predecessor Sarada, who held the post for seven months following her succession from her husband, Dr V Venu, in September 2024.
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