The State Planning Commission in Tamil Nadu was initially constituted in 1971 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It continues to operate under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, serving as an apex advisory body which provides evidence-based policy guidance to promote holistic growth and development in the state.
It aids in formulating, implementing and evaluating policies related to development, economic growth, social welfare and innovation in Tamil Nadu. It engages in the review, evaluation, and monitoring of various welfare schemes and programmes of the Government, to identify bottlenecks and challenges in the last-mile connectivity of these programs and to ensure effective public service delivery to grassroots levels.
The Commission works closely alongside sectoral Government Departments, promotes knowledge sharing and fosters collaborative initiatives for the State’s progress. It undertakes sector-specific studies and also organises topical seminars and workshops that bring together key stakeholders and experts.
Reconstituted in June 2021 with a ten-member panel, SPC actively engages with stakeholders to formulate innovative programs and policies tailored to its 7 broad Focus Areas and their allied sectors.
The State Planning Commission supports the Government of Tamil Nadu in the planning and implementation of measures for the holistic growth and development of the state.
The Planning Commission’s broad focus areas include the preparation of plans, strategy, and goal-setting, along with monitoring, evaluation, and policy advocacy. We are committed to creating policy coherence and ensuring the effective implementation of our special programmes, which include State Balanced Growth Fund (SBGF), Tamil Nadu Innovations Initiative (TANII) and Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB)
The tasks of the State Planning Commission are to:
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu holds the leadership position in the State Planning Commission, serving as its Chairman. The Commission comprises the Vice Chairman, full-time and part-time Members and a Member Secretary. Ex-officio members include the Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning, Development and Special Initiative Department and Finance Department.
The present Commission was reconstituted in June 2021 with a ten-member panel. The term of the Commission aligns with the term of the ruling Government, and the Member Secretary assumes the responsibility for administration within the Commission.
Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission (SPC), is an economist by training.
He hails from Illuppakkorai village in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. He was awarded a Ph.D. by the Madras University in 1995. He was an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) scholar at the Madras Institute of Development Studies.
He taught undergraduate and postgraduate students for five years in Puducherry during 1989 – 1994. He has completed 65 research projects, published 56 research articles in reputed journals, and edited books. Jeyaranjan has presented research papers at various Universities in the USA, UK, Germany, and Japan. He has also published more than 100 articles and seven books in Tamil on contemporary socio-economic issues and participated in several debates as a Commentator on Tamil TV and social media channels.
R.Srinivasan, Ph.D (1963) the Full Time Member, State Planning Commission, was a professor in the Department of Econometrics, University of Madras. Earlier he was an Economics teacher in various colleges in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry since 1988. He was also nominated as Economist in the Tamil Nadu Revenue Augmentation Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu (2002-03);
Full Time Member (2006-08) and Member (2008-11) in the State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu. He was the Registrar of the University of Madras (2017-20).
Full Time Member (2006-08) and Member (2008-11) in the State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu. He was the Registrar of the University of Madras (2017-20).
Prof R Srinivasan completed Ph.D in Economics (2001) and since then has been publishing research and popular articles in English and Tamil in Journals, Edited Books, Magazines, Business Dailies and National Newspapers.
Prof. M. Vijayabaskar is a Professor at the Madras Institute of Development
Studies, Chennai. His research centers on the political economy of development in Tamil Nadu with a focus on labour and land markets, human development, and their intersections with policy-making. He has co-authored the book ‘The Dravidian Model: Interpreting the Political Economy of Tamil Nadu’, published by Cambridge University Press. The book is a pioneering attempt to explain Tamil Nadu’s development in terms of
political mobilization.
Studies, Chennai. His research centers on the political economy of development in Tamil Nadu with a focus on labour and land markets, human development, and their intersections with policy-making. He has co-authored the book ‘The Dravidian Model: Interpreting the Political Economy of Tamil Nadu’, published by Cambridge University Press. The book is a pioneering attempt to explain Tamil Nadu’s development in terms of
political mobilization.
Dr. Vijayabaskar has also coordinated the preparation of the Tamil Nadu
Human Development Report 2017 and has undertaken other research studies
for the Tamil Nadu government.
Human Development Report 2017 and has undertaken other research studies
for the Tamil Nadu government.
In addition to publishing in numerous scholarly journals and media outlets, he has co-edited monographs including Rethinking Social Justice (Orient Blackswan 2020), Participolis: Consent and Contention in Neoliberal Urban India, (Routledge 2012) and ICTs and Indian Social Development: Diffusion, Governance, Poverty (Sage 2008). He has held Visiting Faculty positions at École des haute sétudesen sciences sociales (EHESS), Paris, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and IIT Madras. He is on the editorial advisory board of Oxford Development Studies, South Asia Multi Disciplinary Academic Journal (SAMAJ) and the Indian Journal of Labour Economics, and has also served as a consultant to the Government of India, ILO, UNICEF and UNRISD. He holds a PhD in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Prof. Sultan Ahmed Ismail, born on October 9, 1951, is an esteemed figure in the field of ecology and environmental science. Currently serving as Advisor and former Director of the Ecoscience Research Foundation in Chennai, he has dedicated his career to research and applied work on various topics, including ecology, environment, earthworms, and organic inputs since 1978-79.
Prof. Ismail began his teaching career on November 25, 1974, and later held positions as the Head of the Department of Zoology and the Department of Biotechnology at The New College in Chennai. Over the years, he has been actively involved with numerous institutions, farmers, and self-help groups, advocating for concepts such as ecology, sustainability, organic practices, waste management, and wastewater treatment.
Throughout his career, Prof. Ismail has received several prestigious awards and recognitions. Some notable honours include the CASTME award in the UK for 1994-95, the Arignar Anna Award from the Department of Environment of the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2005, the Award of Excellence from the Governor of Jharkhand in December 2010, and the Special Contribution Award for outstanding contributions to the earthworm industry at the 1st World Earthworm Industry Forum in China in June 2018.
In subsequent years, Prof. Ismail continued to receive accolades, including the Champion of Chennai Award in 2019, the 16th Annual Sir J. C. Bose Memorial Award in 2019, the Beacon of Hope Award in February 2020, and the Inspiring Humanitarian Award by the World Humanitarian Drive UK in May 2021. Additionally, he was honoured with the Green Man Award in June 2021 by the Rotary Club during the Peace Builders Award ceremony.
Recognized as one of the “TOP 10” people of Tamil Nadu for 2013 by Anantha Vikathan, a leading Tamil Magazine, Prof. Ismail has extensive experience addressing environmental issues. He has travelled widely in India and abroad, sharing his rich expertise and has addressed over 50,000 people. Notably, he served as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Curriculum Framework Committee for syllabus revision and implementation (2017-18) and serves as Chairman of the Scientific Review Committee for the Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) program of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. He is also Member High Level Committee to frame the State Education Policy, Government of Tamil Nadu and Chairman for the Reconstituted High Level Expert Technical Committee – Hydrocarbon Project, Tamil Nadu Government.
Apart from his contributions to academia, Prof. Ismail is the Vice President of the Preparatory Committee of the World Earthworm Industry Federation and the Chairman of the Technical Steering Committee at the Dezhou Dr. Fa Earthworm Standardization Research Centre in China. His influential books, such as “The Earthworm Book” (translated into Tamil, Chinese, and Persian) and “Mann Makkal Mahasool” (Tamil), have gained popularity among academics and those interested in earthworms and soils. His new book “Worming my Way” transcends conventional storytelling, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that defy easy categorization. Additionally, his coordinated effort in “simple tasks – great concepts” provides science teachers and students with 100 life science experiments that can be performed without a laboratory.
Prof. Ismail has an extensive publication record, with about 80 research and review papers in national and international journals. He has also guided 32 M.Phil., and 20 Ph.D. students. Please Google his name for more information about his work
Dr Ezhilan Naganathan, M.D., is an esteemed member of the Tamilnadu State Legislative Assembly, representing the Thousandlights constituency. With his extensive experience and expertise, he has made a significant impact in various areas of public service. He is also a practicing physician.
Dr Ezhilan is a member of several prestigious committees, including the City level Advisory forum for Chennai Smart City Ltd., State Level Advisory Committee for Differently Abled Welfare, the State-level District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), and The Senate of The Tamilnadu Dr M.G.R Medical University. His contributions to these committees have been invaluable in shaping policies and programs that benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.
As a committed public servant, Dr Ezhilan has launched several noteworthy initiatives in the Thousandlights constituency. These initiatives include the ‘Suthamana Aayiramvilakku’ – a cleanliness movement, which aims to educate and manage the environment for a cleaner, healthier community.
The Thousandlights Kannoli Scheme provides free monthly eye and basic health check-up camps across the constituency, ensuring that residents have access to essential healthcare services.
Dr Ezhilan’s Thousandlights Ladder Scheme is a skill development program that offers free CA training for government school students, RTE awareness and application camps for poor students, seminars in colleges located inThousand lights constituency regarding higher education opportunities in foreign universities, and bridging programs for highly equipped government labs and colleges. This program has helped equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their careers.
Another notable initiative is the Coordinated Action Committee for Thousandlights, a committee comprising officers from all levels of the government. The committee works tirelessly to address the issues faced by the people of Thousandlights daily and meets periodically to review and plan further works.
Additionally, Dr Ezhilan’s Thousandlights Entrepreneur Circle, Vaagai, acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, people with business ideas, and government and private investment agencies, fostering economic development and growth in the community.
Additionally, Dr Ezhilan’s Thousandlights Entrepreneur Circle, Vaagai, acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, people with business ideas, and government and private investment agencies, fostering economic development and growth in the community.
Finally, Dr Ezhilan’s “Nam Theruvil Nam MLA” movement is a testament to his dedication to public service. Through this movement, he meets with people in their homes with government officials, listens to their complaints, and works to provide effective solutions. His commitment to the welfare of his constituents has earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Overall, Dr Ezhilan’s contributions to the Thousandlights constituency and the people of Tamil Nadu are exemplary. His tireless efforts to improve the lives of those he serves have made him a beloved and respected figure in the community.
MALLIKA SRINIVASAN Chairman & Managing Director – TAFE Mallika Srinivasan
is a thought leader and a strategist, recognized for entrepreneurship, commitment to excellence and contribution to the Indian agriculture machinery business and academia. She is presently the Chairman and Managing Director of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, an INR 10,000 Crore tractor major incorporated in 1960 in Chennai, India. TAFE is today, the third largest tractor manufacturer in the world and the second
largest in India by volumes, with an annual sale of over 180,000 tractors and a presence in over 100 countries, including developed countries in Europe and the Americas. TAFE is also a significant shareholder in AGCO Corporation, USA – a US $9.1 billion tractor and agricultural equipment manufacturer. She is on the Boards of AGCO Corporation – USA and TATA Steel Limited. She is additionally the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Department of Personnel & Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Government of India. She is also on the Global Board of U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), a core member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (BRICS WBA), member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business (ISB) – Hyderabad, member of the Governing Board of the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) – Madras and a member of the Governing Body of Stella Maris College – Chennai. A university gold-medalist in Econometrics from the University of Madras, she graduated as a member of the Dean’s Honor List, and the Alpha Beta Gamma Society, from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, USA, and has been ranked among its top 125 most successful alumni. The accolades and awards Mallika has
received in recent years are testimonials of her professionalism. The Government of India conferred her with the prestigious Padma Shri award for her contribution to Trade and Industry in January 2014. Mallika is a well-known philanthropist with an abiding interest in ensuring the development of agriculture, education and healthcare in India.
is a thought leader and a strategist, recognized for entrepreneurship, commitment to excellence and contribution to the Indian agriculture machinery business and academia. She is presently the Chairman and Managing Director of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, an INR 10,000 Crore tractor major incorporated in 1960 in Chennai, India. TAFE is today, the third largest tractor manufacturer in the world and the second
largest in India by volumes, with an annual sale of over 180,000 tractors and a presence in over 100 countries, including developed countries in Europe and the Americas. TAFE is also a significant shareholder in AGCO Corporation, USA – a US $9.1 billion tractor and agricultural equipment manufacturer. She is on the Boards of AGCO Corporation – USA and TATA Steel Limited. She is additionally the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Department of Personnel & Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Government of India. She is also on the Global Board of U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), a core member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (BRICS WBA), member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business (ISB) – Hyderabad, member of the Governing Board of the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) – Madras and a member of the Governing Body of Stella Maris College – Chennai. A university gold-medalist in Econometrics from the University of Madras, she graduated as a member of the Dean’s Honor List, and the Alpha Beta Gamma Society, from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, USA, and has been ranked among its top 125 most successful alumni. The accolades and awards Mallika has
received in recent years are testimonials of her professionalism. The Government of India conferred her with the prestigious Padma Shri award for her contribution to Trade and Industry in January 2014. Mallika is a well-known philanthropist with an abiding interest in ensuring the development of agriculture, education and healthcare in India.
Dr. J.Amalorpavanathan M.B.B.S., Dip N.B.E (Gen Surgery)., M.S. (Gen.Surgery)., M.Ch. is a Senior Consultant at the Dept. of Vascular Surgery and Head-Transplant process, MGM Healthcare.
He was the Director and Professor of Vascular Surgery at Madras Medical College and a Vascular Surgeon at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai and retired on 31.10.2016. He was the Member Secretary of the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN) Chennai. He also served as a Chief transplant coordinator, at Apollo group of hospitals till 30/06/2020, Visiting Consultant, Vascular Surgeon at Vijaya Hospitals, Vadapalani, Chennai. Invited by the Government of Mauritius, he visited the country in 2016, and evaluated and suggested measures for establishing a successful transplant programme for the country. He was the Chairman of the Board of Studies for Higher Specialities at Tamil Nadu Dr MGR University from 2011-2016
As a pioneer work, he helped to establish and grow the highly successful cadaver organ transplantation program in the state of Tamil Nadu, which serves as a model for the rest of the country. He was closely involved with the Government of India, Health and Family Welfare Department in framing Rules for the Amended Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994. He was a consultant to several states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Orissa, Assam, Rajasthan and Goa in starting similar Cadaver Transplant Programmes. He was also in charge of ROTTO(Regional Organs and Tissue Transplant Organisation), formed by the Government of India, to help the Southern States in starting and nurturing the Cadaver Transplantation Programme.
Orissa, Assam, Rajasthan and Goa in starting similar Cadaver Transplant Programmes. He was also in charge of ROTTO(Regional Organs and Tissue Transplant Organisation), formed by the Government of India, to help the Southern States in starting and nurturing the Cadaver Transplantation Programme.
He is the recipient of the following AWARDS ● “FOR THE SAKE OF HONOUR” award by the Rotary Club of Madras, Vadapalani. [20/03/10] ● “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” by Madras Kidney Trust and Hypertension Research Foundation.[26/06/11] ● “DYNAMIC INDIAN OF THE MILLENIUM” by K.G Hospital, Coimbatore.[15/09/13] ●
“FOR THE SAKE OF HONOUR AWARD” by Rotary Club of Madras West, Chennai.
[23/02/13] ● “GIFT OF AN ORGAN” Award by Confederation of Indian Industry,
Coimbatore. [12/08/16] ● “LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” by Lion’s Club
International Dist.324 A 1 [9/11/16] \
[23/02/13] ● “GIFT OF AN ORGAN” Award by Confederation of Indian Industry,
Coimbatore. [12/08/16] ● “LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” by Lion’s Club
International Dist.324 A 1 [9/11/16] \
In addition to the above, his other activities and responsibilities are Editor in Chief, e Med Journal {Official Journal of The Dr.MGR Medical University], a journal to encourages postgraduate students to publish articles. The first issue was published in March 2011 and the Coordinator of ‘Physicians for Peace’ is a small group of doctors in Chennai who are
interested in disseminating medical information about the dangers of
Nuclear Weapons.
interested in disseminating medical information about the dangers of
Nuclear Weapons.
A household name in Tamil Nadu today, Dr.G.Sivaraman has taken multi-tasking to a new height. Besides being a most-sought-after Siddha practitioner – His very successful Arogya Siddha hospital in Chennai can be seen brimming with patients day after day – Dr Sivaraman is also a prolific writer, a passionate environmentalist and a connoisseur of organic food – all rolled into one.
He is keenly interested in giving lectures on Siddha medicine, environment, food and health, and keeps touring the length and breadth of the globe on lecture assignments. From his humble beginning as a Siddha doctor, Dr Sivaraman rose to become a name to be reckoned with in alternative medicine through sheer commitment and desire for continuous learning. Dr Sivaraman has been keenly espousing the cause of integrated
medicine and constantly underlines the need to get the best of both worlds.
medicine and constantly underlines the need to get the best of both worlds.
Dr Sivaraman is also a prolific writer. He has at once presented academic papers in peer-reviewed journals and has written on serious issues for the common man in a language they could relate to. He has been a recipient of several awards including the Best Writer Award for Journalism for Development & Social Change for the year 2013 – for AARAAM THINAI Column,
Anandhavikatan, Best Doctor Award- conferred by Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical
University for exemplary contribution in the field of Siddha Medicine 0n April 2012, Tamil Nadu Govt. Best book award for the year 2004 for the book “Vaanga vaazhalam”
Anandhavikatan, Best Doctor Award- conferred by Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical
University for exemplary contribution in the field of Siddha Medicine 0n April 2012, Tamil Nadu Govt. Best book award for the year 2004 for the book “Vaanga vaazhalam”
Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj is a disciple of Natya Kalanidhi Tanjore K.P.Kittappa Pillai, a descendant of the legendary Tanjore quartets, considered fathers of the Bharathanatyam art form. She learnt and practiced under him in Gurukul (Full time residential) for 15 years and specialized in the Thanjavur style Nayaki Bhava tradition. She also trained under him on rare compositions as was practiced in ancient Tamil
Temples.
Temples.
She was born in a small village called Anuppanadi near Madurai in Tamilnadu. Being a third gender, she has come miles breaking the stereotypes and barriers of a conservative and orthodox society with purely her talent and meritorious performance, confidence, hard work and persistence.
Dr. Narthaki believes in maintaining and propagating the pristine purity of the Nayaki Bhava tradition. In that process, she has been able to elevate audiences to a higher plane. Many audiences have been moved to tears and some have reported divine experiences during her shows.
She has been giving dance recitals, workshops and lecture demonstrations all over the world. She has performed at all leading festivals in India, U.K, the U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and many European countries.
She is a Padmashri and SNA Puraskar awardee, an Outstanding Category Empanelled artist at ICCR and a Doordarshan’s Top grade artist. She is also a recipient of Tamilnadu’s state award “Kalaimamani” and numerous other titles. She is the first transgender artist to receive an honorary doctorate for her contribution to the field of Bharathanatyam. Adding to her list of achievement, episodes of her life story has been recently added as a lesson for class 11 in the Tamil textbook by the Tamil Nadu government educational board.
She considers the victories she receives as yet another appreciation for
her tough grind, self-respect and fortitude.
her tough grind, self-respect and fortitude.
| Designation | Name | Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vice-Chairman | Dr. J. Jeyaranjan | vcspc[at]nic[dot]in | DIR: +91 44 28585705 EXT: +91 44 28545471-129 |
| Full-Time Member | Prof. R. Srinivasan | srinivasanr2402[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | DIR: +91 44 28545482 EXT: +91 44 28545471-122 |
| Additional Full-Time Member | Prof. M. Vijayabaskar | vijaybaskarm2707[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-123 |
| Part-Time
Members |
Prof. Sultan Ahmed Ismail | sultanahmedismail0910[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-166 |
| Thiru. K. Deenabandu IAS., (Retd.) | deenabandu2302[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-126 | |
| Dr. N.Ezhilan MLA, Thousand Light | EXT: +91 44 28545471-124 | ||
| Ms. Mallika Srinivasan | EXT: +91 44 28545471-135 | ||
| Dr. J. Amalorpavanathan | amalorpavanathanj0410[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-153 | |
| Dr. G. Sivaraman | sivaraman3004[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-132 | |
| Padma Shri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj | narthakinataraj0607[at]tn[dot]gov[dot]in | EXT: +91 44 28545471-133 | |
| Member Secretary | Tmt. Sudha S. IFS | msspc[dot]tn[at]nic[dot]in | DIR: +91 44 28545460 EXT: +91 44 28545471-121 |
Chairman
Thiru. M.K. Stalin
Thiru. M.K. Stalin, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, is the Chairman of SPC.
Vice-Chairman
Dr. J. Jeyaranjan
Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, the Vice Chairman of the State Planning
Commission (SPC), is an economist by training.
He hails from Illuppakkorai village in Thanjavur District of
Tamil Nadu. He was awarded a Ph.D. by the Madras University in
1995. He was an Indian Council of Social Science Research
(ICSSR) scholar at the Madras Institute of Development Studies.
He taught undergraduate and postgraduate students for five years
in Puducherry during 1989 – 1994. He has completed 65 research
projects, published 56 research articles in reputed journals,
and edited books. Jeyaranjan has presented research papers at
various Universities in the USA, UK, Germany, and Japan. He has
also published more than 100 articles and seven books in Tamil
on contemporary socio-economic issues and participated in
several debates as a Commentator on Tamil TV and social media
channels.
Full-Time Member
Prof. R. Srinivasan
R.Srinivasan, Ph.D (1963) the Full Time Member, State Planning
Commission, was a professor in the Department of Econometrics,
University of Madras. Earlier he was an Economics teacher in
various colleges in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry since 1988. He was
also nominated as Economist in the Tamil Nadu Revenue
Augmentation Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu (2002-03);
Full Time Member (2006-08) and Member (2008-11) in the State
Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu. He was the
Registrar of the University of Madras (2017-20).
Prof R Srinivasan completed Ph.D in Economics (2001) and since
then has been publishing research and popular articles in
English and Tamil in Journals, Edited Books, Magazines, Business
Dailies and National Newspapers.
Addl. Full-Time Member
Dr. M. Vijayabaskar
Dr. M. Vijayabaskar is a Professor at the Madras Institute of
Development Studies, Chennai. His research centers on the
political economy of development in Tamil Nadu with a focus on
labour and land markets, human development, and their
intersections with policy-making. He has co-authored the book
‘The Dravidian Model: Interpreting the Political Economy of
Tamil Nadu’, published by Cambridge University Press. The book
is a pioneering attempt to explain Tamil Nadu’s development in
terms of political mobilization.
Dr. Vijayabaskar has also coordinated the preparation of the
Tamil Nadu Human Development Report 2017 and has undertaken
other research studies for the Tamil Nadu government.
In addition to publishing in numerous scholarly journals and
media outlets, he has co-edited monographs including Rethinking
Social Justice (Orient Blackswan 2020), Participolis: Consent
and Contention in Neoliberal Urban India, (Routledge 2012) and
ICTs and Indian Social Development: Diffusion, Governance,
Poverty (Sage 2008). He has held Visiting Faculty positions at
École des haute sétudesen sciences sociales (EHESS), Paris,
University of Lausanne, Switzerland, the School of Oriental and
African Studies, University of London and IIT Madras. He is on
the editorial advisory board of Oxford Development Studies,
South Asia Multi Disciplinary Academic Journal (SAMAJ) and the
Indian Journal of Labour Economics, and has also served as a
consultant to the Government of India, ILO, UNICEF and UNRISD.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Part-Time Member
Prof. Sultan Ahmed Ismail
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Ismail, born on October 9, 1951, is an esteemed
figure in the field of ecology and environmental science.
Currently serving as Advisor and former Director of the
Ecoscience Research Foundation in Chennai, he has dedicated his
career to research and applied work on various topics, including
ecology, environment, earthworms, and organic inputs since
1978-79.
Dr. Ismail began his teaching career on November 25, 1974, and
later held positions as the Head of the Department of Zoology
and the Department of Biotechnology at The New College in
Chennai. Over the years, he has been actively involved with
numerous institutions, farmers, and self-help groups, advocating
for concepts such as ecology, sustainability, organic practices,
waste management, and wastewater treatment.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ismail has received several
prestigious awards and recognitions. Some notable honours
include the CASTME award in the UK for 1994-95, the Arignar Anna
Award from the Department of Environment of the Government of
Tamil Nadu in 2005, the Award of Excellence from the Governor of
Jharkhand in December 2010, and the Special Contribution Award
for outstanding contributions to the earthworm industry at the
1st World Earthworm Industry Forum in China in June 2018.
In subsequent years, Dr. Ismail continued to receive accolades,
including the Champion of Chennai Award in 2019, the 16th Annual
Sir J. C. Bose Memorial Award in 2019, the Beacon of Hope Award
in February 2020, and the Inspiring Humanitarian Award by the
World Humanitarian Drive UK in May 2021. Additionally, he was
honoured with the Green Man Award in June 2021 by the Rotary
Club during the Peace Builders Award ceremony.
Recognized as one of the “TOP 10” people of Tamil Nadu for 2013
by Anantha Vikathan, a leading Tamil Magazine, Dr. Ismail has
extensive experience addressing environmental issues. He has
travelled widely in India and abroad, sharing his rich expertise
and has addressed over 50,000 people. Notably, he served as a
Member of the Tamil Nadu Curriculum Framework Committee for
syllabus revision and implementation (2017-18) and serves as
Chairman of the Scientific Review Committee for the Initiative
for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) program of the
Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. He is
also Member High Level Committee to frame the State Education
Policy, Government of Tamil Nadu and Chairman for the
Reconstituted High Level Expert Technical Committee –
Hydrocarbon Project, Tamil Nadu Government.
Apart from his contributions to academia, Dr. Ismail is the Vice
President of the Preparatory Committee of the World Earthworm
Industry Federation and the Chairman of the Technical Steering
Committee at the Dezhou Dr. Fa Earthworm Standardization
Research Centre in China. His influential books, such as “The
Earthworm Book” (translated into Tamil, Chinese, and Persian)
and “Mann Makkal Mahasool” (Tamil), have gained popularity among
academics and those interested in earthworms and soils. His new
book “Worming my Way” transcends conventional storytelling,
offering a rich tapestry of experiences that defy easy
categorization. Additionally, his coordinated effort in “simple
tasks – great concepts” provides science teachers and students
with 100 life science experiments that can be performed without
a laboratory.
Dr. Ismail has an extensive publication record, with about 80
research and review papers in national and international
journals. He has also guided 32 M.Phil., and 20 Ph.D. students.
Please Google his name for more information about his work
Part-Time Member
Thiru. K. Deenabandu, IAS
Thiru. K. Deenabandu, IAS is a Part-Time Member of SPC.
Part-Time Member
Dr. N.Ezhilan, MLA
Dr Ezhilan Naganathan, M.D., is an esteemed member of the
Tamilnadu State Legislative Assembly, representing the
Thousandlights constituency. With his extensive experience and
expertise, he has made a significant impact in various areas of
public service. He is also a practicing physician.
Dr Ezhilan is a member of several prestigious committees,
including the City level Advisory forum for Chennai Smart City
Ltd., State Level Advisory Committee for Differently Abled
Welfare, the State-level District Development Coordination and
Monitoring Committee (DISHA), and The Senate of The Tamilnadu Dr
M.G.R Medical University. His contributions to these committees
have been invaluable in shaping policies and programs that
benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.
As a committed public servant, Dr Ezhilan has launched several
noteworthy initiatives in the Thousandlights constituency. These
initiatives include the ‘Suthamana Aayiramvilakku’ – a
cleanliness movement, which aims to educate and manage the
environment for a cleaner, healthier community.
The Thousandlights Kannoli Scheme provides free monthly eye and
basic health check-up camps across the constituency, ensuring
that residents have access to essential healthcare services.
Dr Ezhilan’s Thousandlights Ladder Scheme is a skill development
program that offers free CA training for government school
students, RTE awareness and application camps for poor students,
seminars in colleges located inThousand lights constituency
regarding higher education opportunities in foreign
universities, and bridging programs for highly equipped
government labs and colleges. This program has helped equip
young people with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in
their careers.
Another notable initiative is the Coordinated Action Committee
for Thousandlights, a committee comprising officers from all
levels of the government. The committee works tirelessly to
address the issues faced by the people of Thousandlights daily
and meets periodically to review and plan further works.
Additionally, Dr Ezhilan’s Thousandlights Entrepreneur Circle,
Vaagai, acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs, people with
business ideas, and government and private investment agencies,
fostering economic development and growth in the community.
Finally, Dr Ezhilan’s “Nam Theruvil Nam MLA” movement is a
testament to his dedication to public service. Through this
movement, he meets with people in their homes with government
officials, listens to their complaints, and works to provide
effective solutions. His commitment to the welfare of his
constituents has earned him widespread admiration and respect.
Overall, Dr Ezhilan’s contributions to the Thousandlights
constituency and the people of Tamil Nadu are exemplary. His
tireless efforts to improve the lives of those he serves have
made him a beloved and respected figure in the community.
Part-Time Member
Ms. Mallika Srinivasan
Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director – TAFE Mallika
Srinivasan is a thought leader and a strategist, recognized for
entrepreneurship, commitment to excellence and contribution to the
Indian agriculture machinery business and academia. She is
presently the Chairman and Managing Director of TAFE – Tractors
and Farm Equipment Limited, an INR 10,000 Crore tractor major
incorporated in 1960 in Chennai, India. TAFE is today, the third
largest tractor manufacturer in the world and the second largest
in India by volumes, with an annual sale of over 180,000 tractors
and a presence in over 100 countries, including developed
countries in Europe and the Americas. TAFE is also a significant
shareholder in AGCO Corporation, USA – a US $9.1 billion tractor
and agricultural equipment manufacturer. She is on the Boards of
AGCO Corporation – USA and TATA Steel Limited. She is additionally
the Chairperson of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB),
Department of Personnel & Training under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension, Government of India. She
is also on the Global Board of U.S.-India Business Council
(USIBC), a core member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance
(BRICS WBA), member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of
Business (ISB) – Hyderabad, member of the Governing Board of the
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Madras and a member of the
Governing Body of Stella Maris College – Chennai. A university
gold-medalist in Econometrics from the University of Madras, she
graduated as a member of the Dean’s Honor List, and the Alpha Beta
Gamma Society, from the Wharton School of Business, University of
Pennsylvania, USA, and has been ranked among its top 125 most
successful alumni. The accolades and awards Mallika has received
in recent years are testimonials of her professionalism. The
Government of India conferred her with the prestigious Padma Shri
award for her contribution to Trade and Industry in January 2014.
Mallika is a well-known philanthropist with an abiding interest in
ensuring the development of agriculture, education and healthcare
in India.
Part-Time Member
Dr. J.Amalorpavanathan
Dr. J.Amalorpavanathan M.B.B.S., Dip N.B.E (Gen Surgery)., M.S.
(Gen.Surgery)., M.Ch. is a Senior Consultant at the Dept. of
Vascular Surgery and Head-Transplant process, MGM Healthcare.
He was the Director and Professor of Vascular Surgery at Madras
Medical College and a Vascular Surgeon at Rajiv Gandhi
Government General Hospital, Chennai and retired on 31.10.2016.
He was the Member Secretary of the Transplant Authority of Tamil
Nadu (TRANSTAN) Chennai. He also served as a Chief transplant
coordinator, at Apollo group of hospitals till 30/06/2020,
Visiting Consultant, Vascular Surgeon at Vijaya Hospitals,
Vadapalani, Chennai. Invited by the Government of Mauritius, he
visited the country in 2016, and evaluated and suggested
measures for establishing a successful transplant programme for
the country. He was the Chairman of the Board of Studies for
Higher Specialities at Tamil Nadu Dr MGR University from
2011-2016
As a pioneer work, he helped to establish and grow the highly
successful cadaver organ transplantation program in the state of
Tamil Nadu, which serves as a model for the rest of the country.
He was closely involved with the Government of India, Health and
Family Welfare Department in framing Rules for the Amended
Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994. He was a consultant to
several states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa,
Assam, Rajasthan and Goa in starting similar Cadaver Transplant
Programmes. He was also in charge of ROTTO(Regional Organs and
Tissue Transplant Organisation), formed by the Government of
India, to help the Southern States in starting and nurturing the
Cadaver Transplantation Programme.
He is the recipient of the following AWARDS ● “FOR THE SAKE OF
HONOUR” award by the Rotary Club of Madras, Vadapalani.
[20/03/10] ● “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” by Madras Kidney Trust
and Hypertension Research Foundation.[26/06/11] ● “DYNAMIC
INDIAN OF THE MILLENIUM” by K.G Hospital, Coimbatore.[15/09/13]
● “FOR THE SAKE OF HONOUR AWARD” by Rotary Club of Madras West,
Chennai. [23/02/13] ● “GIFT OF AN ORGAN” Award by Confederation
of Indian Industry, Coimbatore. [12/08/16] ● “LIFE TIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” by Lion’s Club International Dist.324 A 1
[9/11/16] \
In addition to the above, his other activities and
responsibilities are Editor in Chief, e Med Journal {Official
Journal of The Dr.MGR Medical University], a journal to
encourages postgraduate students to publish articles. The first
issue was published in March 2011 and the Coordinator of
‘Physicians for Peace’ is a small group of doctors in Chennai
who are interested in disseminating medical information about
the dangers of Nuclear Weapons.
Part-Time Member
Dr. Sivaraman
A household name in Tamil Nadu today, Dr.G.Sivaraman has taken
multi-tasking to a new height. Besides being a most-sought-after
Siddha practitioner – His very successful Arogya Siddha hospital
in Chennai can be seen brimming with patients day after day – Dr
Sivaraman is also a prolific writer, a passionate
environmentalist and a connoisseur of organic food – all rolled
into one.
He is keenly interested in giving lectures on Siddha medicine,
environment, food and health, and keeps touring the length and
breadth of the globe on lecture assignments. From his humble
beginning as a Siddha doctor, Dr Sivaraman rose to become a name
to be reckoned with in alternative medicine through sheer
commitment and desire for continuous learning. Dr Sivaraman has
been keenly espousing the cause of integrated medicine and
constantly underlines the need to get the best of both worlds.
Dr Sivaraman is also a prolific writer. He has at once presented
academic papers in peer-reviewed journals and has written on
serious issues for the common man in a language they could
relate to. He has been a recipient of several awards including
the Best Writer Award for Journalism for Development & Social
Change for the year 2013 – for AARAAM THINAI Column,
Anandhavikatan, Best Doctor Award- conferred by Tamilnadu Dr.
MGR Medical University for exemplary contribution in the field
of Siddha Medicine 0n April 2012, Tamil Nadu Govt. Best book
award for the year 2004 for the book “Vaanga vaazhalam”
Part-Time Member
Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj
Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj is a disciple of Natya Kalanidhi
Tanjore K.P.Kittappa Pillai, a descendant of the legendary
Tanjore quartets, considered fathers of the Bharathanatyam art
form. She learnt and practiced under him in Gurukul (Full time
residential) for 15 years and specialized in the Thanjavur style
Nayaki Bhava tradition. She also trained under him on rare
compositions as was practiced in ancient Tamil Temples.
She was born in a small village called Anuppanadi near Madurai
in Tamilnadu. Being a third gender, she has come miles breaking
the stereotypes and barriers of a conservative and orthodox
society with purely her talent and meritorious performance,
confidence, hard work and persistence.
Dr. Narthaki believes in maintaining and propagating the
pristine purity of the Nayaki Bhava tradition. In that process,
she has been able to elevate audiences to a higher plane. Many
audiences have been moved to tears and some have reported divine
experiences during her shows.
She has been giving dance recitals, workshops and lecture
demonstrations all over the world. She has performed at all
leading festivals in India, U.K, the U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Sri
Lanka, Malaysia and many European countries.
She is a Padmashri and SNA Puraskar awardee, an Outstanding
Category Empanelled artist at ICCR and a Doordarshan’s Top grade
artist. She is also a recipient of Tamilnadu’s state award
“Kalaimamani” and numerous other titles. She is the first
transgender artist to receive an honorary doctorate for her
contribution to the field of Bharathanatyam. Adding to her list
of achievement, episodes of her life story has been recently
added as a lesson for class 11 in the Tamil textbook by the
Tamil Nadu government educational board.
She considers the victories she receives as yet another
appreciation for her tough grind, self-respect and fortitude.
Ex-officio members
Thiru.Ramesh Chand Meena, IAS
Thiru.Ramesh Chand Meena, IAS is an Ex-officio member of SPC.
Ex-officio members
Thiru T. Udhayachandran, IAS
Thiru T. Udhayachandran, IAS is an Ex-officio member of SPC.
Member-Secretary
Tmt. Sudha.S, I.F.S
Tmt. Sudha.S, I.F.S is the Member-Secretary of SPC.