Thiruvananthapuram : Former Indian Ambassador to Netherlands Venu Rajamony (IFS) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Government of Kerala (External Cooperation) in the rank equivalent to the Chief Secretary.
Venu Rajamony, who was also a former Press Secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee, will be initially based in New Delhi as a special representative of the State Government.
He will liaise with the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign missions in New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Indian diplomatic missions abroad on various matters including those pertaining to the Kerala diaspora and opportunities for external cooperation in diverse sectors, according to an official order issued on Wednesday evening.
The former Ambassador also follow up matters arising out of the official visits by the Chief Minister abroad.
Mr Rajamony was also assigned to monitor the progress of proposals received from foreign diplomatic missions and proposals initiated from the State Government.
The large Kerala diaspora spread across the world has many general issues which need to be raised with the Government of India, diplomatic missions in a timely manner for expeditious redressal.
The state government has to implement various programmes in collaboration and cooperation with foreign entities for the holistic development of the state and public welfare.
A need has ben felt to appoint a senior expert on part time basis to interact with the Government of India, Foreign and Indian diplomatic missions, agencies on these matters and to explore collaboration opportunities in various sectors such as academic, cultural, financing, investment etc.
Such an officer with in-depth knowledge and experience on diplomatic matters would be able to suitably advise the State Government on various aspects of international cooperation, the order said.
He will also advice the state government on rules and regulations governing all engagements with foreign governments, other entities, and Pravasi issues.
The Indian Diplomat was assigned to explore collaboration and cooperation opportunities for Kerala in educational, cultural, financing, skill development and employment and support the Government of Kerala in its interaction with foreign, official and business delegations visiting the state.
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