THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet has decided to appoint V P Joy, who has returned to the state after central deputation, as the next chief secretary of the state. His appointment comes on the vacancy of Vishwas Mehta who is set to retire. Joy who belongs to the 1987 batch will continue in service until 2023 June 30.

Government has asked the chief secretary to report vacancies in different departments immediately. The cabinet meeting has also decided to regularise 344 single teachers who were appointed on a temporary basis.