Move Aims to Strengthen Government Communication and Media Engagement
In a bid to improve public communication and ensure timely, accurate dissemination of information on government policies and schemes, the Tamil Nadu government has appointed four senior IAS officers as official spokespersons for key departments.
The appointed officers—J. Radhakrishnan, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Dheeraj Kumar, and P. Amudha—all hold the rank of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and will serve as the official voices for their respective departments in media interactions.
J. Radhakrishnan to Oversee Critical Public-Facing Departments
J. Radhakrishnan, a 1992-batch IAS officer and current Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of TANGEDCO, has been designated as spokesperson for several high-priority departments, including:
Energy
Health & Family Welfare
Transport
Cooperation, Food & Consumer Protection
School & Higher Education
Textiles
Human Resources Management
Welfare of Overseas Tamils
Known for his crisis management expertise, particularly in health and disaster response, Radhakrishnan’s appointment is expected to enhance clarity in government communications.Gagandeep Singh Bedi to Lead Infrastructure & Rural Development Communication
Gagandeep Singh Bedi, a 1993-batch IAS officer and ACS of Rural Development, will serve as spokesperson for:
Municipal Administration & Water Supply
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
Animal Husbandry & Fisheries
Water Resources
MSMEs & Industries
Environment & Climate Change
With his extensive experience in rural and urban development, Bedi is well-equipped to explain inter-departmental initiatives effectively.
Dheeraj Kumar & P. Amudha to Handle Governance & Welfare Portfolios
Dheeraj Kumar (1993-Batch IAS)
ACS, Home, Prohibition & Excise
Will serve as spokesperson for law & order, internal security, and excise matters.
P. Amudha (1994-Batch IAS)
ACS, Revenue & Disaster Management
Will represent:
Revenue Administration
Women & Social Welfare
Welfare of Differently Abled Persons
SC/ST & Minority Welfare
Labour Welfare
Housing & Urban Development
Highways & Ports
Tourism & Culture
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE)
Amudha is recognized for her strong communication skills and expertise in managing sensitive, welfare-oriented departments.
Objective: Streamlined, Authoritative Government Communication
This strategic appointment of senior bureaucrats as spokespersons aims to:
Ensure accurate, timely information flow
Improve transparency and public trust
Provide clear, authoritative responses on policy matters
The move is expected to enhance coordination between departments and the media while maintaining consistency in government messaging.
