Shanmugam takes charge as Chief Secy

According to sources in Secretariat, Shanmugam was set to take charge as the Chief Secretary only on Monday but as Assembly session had to be commenced at 10 am, he took charge on Sunday afternoon, immediately after former Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan retired.

Even before taking charge, Shanmugam met Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence on Greenways Road and discussed the key issues concerning the State.

According to sources, Palaniswami discussed Assembly proceedings and the issues that DMK is likely to raise, including water shortage that the State is currently experiencing. “Shanmugam has his work cut out in the coming weeks as he has to prepare tonnes of paperwork on the issue. Assembly session will be challenging for Shanmugam as opposition parties have planned big on water issue”, said sources.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police JK Tripathy assumed charge as the new head of police force on Sunday afternoon after the present Tamil Nadu police chief DGP T K Rajendran demitted his office after 35 years of service in the force.

Speaking to reporters aftertaking charge, Tripathy thanked the Chief Minister for giving him the opportunity and said that his priorities will be the maintenance of law and order and prevention of crime in the State.