Sharda Muralidharan has taken over as Chief Secretary of Kerala from her husband, Dr. Benu B. This marks the first time in the country’s administrative history that a wife has succeeded her husband in the same high-profile role.
Dr. Benu B. retired from his position as Chief Secretary on August 31. The Kerala government appointed Sharda Muralidharan to the post in his stead. The transfer of responsibilities took place at a function held at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, with both spouses present.
Dr. Benu B. and Sharda Muralidharan, both IAS officers from the 1990 batch, have worked together for 34 years. Although Dr. Benu B. is a few months older, he retired first, leading to his wife’s appointment. Sharda Muralidharan will serve as Chief Secretary for the next eight months.
Kerala Chief Minister congratulated both bureaucrats on this significant occasion. Sharda Muralidharan remarked, “We planned to retire together, but I will retire eight months after my husband. The process of taking over his responsibilities has been a unique experience.”
Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor also highlighted the historic nature of this event on social media.