Ms. P Hemalatha Appointed as Additional Chairman of MPEDA
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has officially approved a proposal from the Department of Commerce regarding a key administrative appointment. Ms. P Hemalatha, a 2000-batch IAS officer belonging to the Karnataka cadre, has been granted ex-post facto approval to hold the additional charge of the post of Chairman (Joint Secretary level) at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in Cochin.
This assignment covers the specific period from March 18, 2026, to May 24, 2026. Currently serving as the Development Commissioner for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Cochin, Ms. Hemalatha will continue to manage her existing responsibilities alongside this additional mandate. The move is intended to ensure administrative continuity within the MPEDA during this interim timeframe.
The Marine Products Export Development Authority plays a pivotal role in the promotion and regulation of India's marine product exports. By entrusting this additional charge to an experienced IAS officer like Ms. Hemalatha, the Department of Commerce aims to maintain stable leadership oversight for the organization’s ongoing initiatives and export-related operations. Her dual role as Development Commissioner and Acting Chairman is expected to facilitate better coordination between the SEZ framework and the marine export sector in the region. Formal documentation regarding this approval has been processed through the standard channels of the Department of Personnel and Training, confirming the official nature of this temporary appointment.
