IAS Officer RV Shajeevana Takes Charge as TN Public Libraries Director

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Tuesday, 10 November 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appointed IAS Officer RV Shajeevana as Director of Public Libraries, with full additional charge of the department. The appointment comes amid an ongoing controversy over the procurement of books for public libraries across the state, particularly Periyar Arivulagam in Coimbatore.

Replacing S Jayanthi, the Director of Public Libraries and also in-charge of the Teachers Recruitment Board, Shajeevana's appointment follows a pattern where, starting in 2022, IAS officers were assigned to the directorate. Although sources have confirmed the appointment, the official government order announcing her new posting is yet to be released.

Her appointment brings attention to women's representation in senior administrative positions and the growing responsibilities undertaken by women IAS officers in public administration. She will now oversee the functioning of the state's public library directorate.

Key Highlights

• RV Shajeevana takes charge of Tamil Nadu's public library administration
• She replaces S Jayanthi, who also heads the Teachers Recruitment Board
• Librarians seek dedicated leadership to strengthen public library administration

The Director of Public Libraries position has largely been managed by officers holding additional charge over the past several years. K Elambahavath was an exception, serving as director from 2022 until August 2024, when he was transferred.

Following his transfer, P Sankar, then chairman of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation, was given full additional charge. Subsequently, Jayanthi assumed the responsibility alongside her role as head of the Teachers Recruitment Board.

Shajeevana's appointment follows these successive administrative changes, bringing another IAS officer into the leadership of the directorate.

The continued practice of assigning additional charge has raised concerns among librarians working in the directorate. They have repeatedly urged the government to appoint a full-time director, alleging that the arrangement has affected the department's administration and efficiency.

The issue also has a legal background. In 2012, the Madras High Court directed the state government to appoint individuals with qualifications in library science as directors of public libraries. However, the practice of assigning additional charge continued despite the court's direction. Since 2022, IAS officers have been appointed to oversee the directorate.

The demand for dedicated leadership highlights the importance of specialised administration in managing public library services. These institutions support students, researchers and competitive examination aspirants while providing communities with access to educational resources and knowledge.

Shajeevana's appointment comes at a time when the state's public library system is facing scrutiny over procurement practices and administrative arrangements. Her new responsibility places her in an important position to oversee the directorate's functioning and address its administrative priorities.

The appointment also highlights women's participation in senior government positions, particularly within the Indian Administrative Service. As women officers take on wider administrative responsibilities, their representation in public leadership continues to be an important aspect of inclusive governance.

With the leadership change, attention will remain on strengthening administrative accountability, ensuring transparent functioning and improving the management of Tamil Nadu's public library system.