CM Vijay Plans New Secretariat Complex; Pattinapakkam and Guindy in Focus

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is expected to announce plans for a new Secretariat complex in Tamil Nadu during the ongoing Assembly session, according to official sources. The government is considering several locations, with Pattinapakkam and Guindy Race Course among the shortlisted options. However, the final location has not yet been decided.

The proposal marks the latest attempt to shift the Secretariat from the congested Fort St George premises. Earlier proposals were made by former Chief Ministers J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi.

In 2003, Jayalalithaa proposed demolishing Queen Mary’s College to construct a new Secretariat complex. The plan was later dropped following strong protests from students.

The idea was subsequently revived by M Karunanidhi’s government, which constructed a new Secretariat complex at Omandurar Government Estate. After the change of government in 2011, the building was converted into a multi-super-speciality hospital.

CMO to Move to Namakkal Kavignar Maligai

Meanwhile, the government is preparing to shift the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to the 10th floor of Namakkal Kavignar Maligai. The relocation is expected to take place by the first week of December.

The Public Works Department (PWD) is also examining whether the MLA Constituency Development Fund can be used for the required modification work.

The proposed CMO relocation has raised concerns about the impact on nearby Secretariat offices and staff. Officials said that no offices would be shifted outside the Secretariat complex. Offices located closest to the CMO are expected to be relocated within the existing premises.