This comprehensive biography details the life and career of Dr. Beela Rajesh, a prominent Indian bureaucrat who played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wiki/Biography
Beela Rajesh was born on Saturday, November 15, 1969 (age 53 as of 2022), in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. Following her secondary education, she earned her MBBS in Medicine from Madras Medical College (MMC). After completing her MBBS, she began preparing for the civil services. In 1997, she successfully cleared the UPSC Examination, becoming an IAS officer.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’3″
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Dr. Beela Rajesh hails from a highly influential Madras family. Her mother, Rani Venkatesan, a native of Nagercoil, was a prominent Congress politician in Tamil Nadu and served as an MLA. Her father, S.N. Venkatesan, is a retired Director General of Police.
Relationships, Husband & Children: Dr. Beela Rajesh married Rajesh Das, an IPS officer from Odisha, in 1992. The couple has two daughters.
Career
A 1997-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, Dr. Rajesh completed her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Her early postings were in Bihar and Jharkhand before returning to her home state, Tamil Nadu.
She served in various capacities, including Assistant Collector in Bhojpur district, Bihar; Commissioner of Fisheries; and Commissioner for Town and Country Planning in Tamil Nadu. Prior to becoming Principal Secretary of Health, she served as the Commissioner for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy in Tamil Nadu. On June 12, 2020, she became Chief Secretary at the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department, a position she held until June 19, 2023. Subsequently, she was appointed as the Energy Secretary of Tamil Nadu.
| Designation | Department/Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Collector | Bhojpur, Bihar | September 1, 1997 – March 1, 2000 |
| Under Secretary | Finance Department | March 1, 2000 – July 1, 2000 |
| Assistant Collector | Tamil Nadu (District Unspecified) | July 11, 2000 – January 1, 2001 |
| Assistant Collector | Tamil Nadu (District Unspecified) | January 1, 2001 – May 24, 2001 |
| Health Secretary | Tamil Nadu | February 17, 2019 – Present |
This is a partial list of her significant roles. Her career has been marked by a diverse range of responsibilities within both state and central governments.
Facts/Trivia
Dr. Beela Rajesh’s appointment as Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu in February 2019 was unexpected, given her lack of prior experience in such a crucial portfolio. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic made her a prominent figure in the state, regularly addressing the media.
While she has received both praise and criticism for her handling of the pandemic and her communication style, her medical background is widely considered to have been a significant factor in her appointment to the Health Secretary position.
She is known for her direct communication style, which some perceive as curt or impatient. However, her efficiency and dedication to addressing issues promptly are also frequently acknowledged.
