VD Satishan Government Leverages Chandra Shekhar’s Experience for Development Strategy

Kerala’s ruling coalition under Chief Minister V.D. Satishan has tapped former Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandra Shekhar, 78, for the role of Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board, marking his second term in the institution.

Chandra Shekhar’s first tenure as Board chairman coincided with the United Democratic Front’s governance from 2011 to 2016, during which he helped push forward critical infrastructure schemes such as the Kochi Metro and the Vizhinjam seaport project.

A stalwart of the Congress‑dominated UDF, he is poised to re‑join the government’s decision‑making circle after the Satishan ministry assumed power. He also chaired a senior committee that produced a white paper evaluating Kerala’s economic status and recommending financial reforms.

His earlier appointment as Cabinet Secretary during the second UPA government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, gave him extensive experience handling high‑level administrative portfolios at both the centre and the state.

As Vice Chairman, his mandate includes directing the Board’s formulation of development strategies, reviewing project proposals, and offering policy counsel to the cabinet. The administration plans to reinforce his initiatives with specialist teams covering various sectors. Chief Minister Satishan will serve as the Board’s Chairman.

The Board’s membership has been expanded to incorporate P.K. Kunjalikutti, Sunny Joseph, Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John and C.P. John, reflecting an effort to merge political oversight with technocratic expertise for Kerala’s long‑term development agenda.