THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Biswas Mehta has taken charge as the new chief secretary of the state. He reached the office of the chief secretary in the Secretariat and assumed charge officially. Outgoing chief secretary Tom Jose handed over the charge to the new chief secretary. The function was held in the presence of many including senior secretaries.

A change in chief secretary level is at a crucial stage in the circumstance of the spread of COVID. Soon after taking charge, the chief secretary said top priority will be given for the control of COVID. Crucial decisions including lockdown relaxations will be announced after the high level meet held in the presence of the chief minister.

Tom Jose handed over the post to Mehta after expressing gratitude for the support and cooperation. Mehta said that he is aiming for a continuation of the work and projects started by Tom Jose.

The tenure of Mehta, an officer of 1986 batch, is till February 2020. He was additional chief secretary of the home department. He was heading health, education, revenue and irrigation departments. He is a native of Rajasthan.