Sarada Muraleedharan

Sarada Muraleedharan (born 17 April 1965) is a retired civil servant of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of Kerala cadre (1990 batch). She served as the 49th Chief secretary of Kerala from 1 September 2024 to 30 April 2025.

During her career, Muraleedharan held senior positions in the Government of Kerala and on central deputation, including serving as Executive Director of the Kudumbashree Mission (2006–2012), Chief Operating Officer of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Director General of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Early life and education Muraleedharan is from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She attended the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram.

Career Muraleedharan joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1990 and was allotted the Kerala cadre.

Kudumbashree Mission Muraleedharan served as Executive Director of the Kudumbashree Mission from 12 June 2006 to 1 May 2012.

Director General, NIFT In 2016, Muraleedharan was appointed Director General of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Personal life Muraleedharan is married to V. Venu, a retired IAS officer who served as Chief Secretary of Kerala immediately before her.