CM Vijay to shift office from Fort St. George to Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is preparing to relocate his office from the historic Secretariat building at Fort St. George to the 10th floor of Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai, a government tower within the same campus. Officials have already reportedly begun measurement work for the proposed Chief Minister’s Office, with the move expected around the middle of August.

Quoting government sources, reports said the decision is intended to improve administrative functioning rather than being influenced by astrological considerations.

The floor currently accommodates a conference hall used for collectors’ meetings and houses sections of the Information, Home and Commercial Taxes departments. Employees have been informed about the proposed changes, though the final relocation plan is still under discussion.

Representatives of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association expressed concern over the lack of alternative space for the affected departments and warned that any forced relocation could draw protests.

Officials said efforts are being made to identify suitable locations with adequate meeting facilities while ensuring staff are not inconvenienced. Employees also believe security arrangements will be strengthened once the Chief Minister begins functioning from the new office.

The move marks a departure from tradition, as previous chief ministers continued operating from the colonial-era Secretariat building. Tamil Nadu has witnessed earlier attempts to establish new administrative headquarters, though several such proposals were later abandoned or repurposed.