Sheela Balakrishnan (59) is the new Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu. She replaces Debendranath Sarangi, who is retiring from service on December 31.
A 1976 batch IAS officer, Sheela is the third woman Chief Secretary of the State. Sheela is the 41st Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu.
Sheela was born on March 5, 1954. At present, she is the Secretary to Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary. Some of the departments she worked in the past include Transport, Agriculture and Cooperation, Personnel and General Administration, Industries, Textiles, Handlooms, Planning and Programme Implementation, Home and as Secretary to the Chief Minister.
The outgoing Chief Secretary Sarangi took charge on May 16, 2011 when Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa assumed office.