The WhiplashHas Its Uses

Health reasons apart, Sukavaneswar’s discomfiture increased with the decision to partially privatise bus routes. He now heads the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation. Lakshmi has preferred not to read too much into the women’s empowerment angle: "A few other states too have women chief secretaries."

Besides the chief secretary, seven other secretaries were relocated. Some have had four postings in the past six months. The State ias Officers’ Association had recently demanded a minimum tenure of three years in postings. But to get Amma to agree on that will be a tough call.