In a controversial and unprecedented move, the Kerala government appointed IAS officer K Vasuki as the ‘Foreign Secretary’ to oversee matters related to external cooperation. This decision, announced on July 15, has stirred significant political debate and raised constitutional questions.
The Appointment and Its Purpose
The Kerala government’s order designated K Vasuki, the Secretary of Labour and Skills Department, to also handle external cooperation. The government stated that this role would involve coordination and supervision of all matters related to external cooperation, with support from the Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in New Delhi to liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian missions, and embassies.
The official government order noted: “Dr. K Vasuki IAS (KL 2008), Secretary, Labour and Skills Department, will hold the additional charge of the matters connected with External Co-operation. The officer will coordinate and supervise all the matters in this regard and incidental thereto, in addition to the existing charges.”
Authority to Appoint a Foreign Secretary
According to the Indian Constitution, foreign affairs fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union government. The Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for appointing the Foreign Secretary of India, a position currently held by Shri Vikram Misri, who assumed charge on July 15, 2024. Typically, states do not have the authority to appoint officials to handle foreign relations directly, making Kerala’s decision both unusual and legally contentious.
Former cabinet secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar highlighted that international relations are traditionally managed by the central government, and any state department needing assistance from abroad should reach out to the MEA or the relevant Indian embassy.
The Need for Such an Appointment
The Kerala government justified the appointment by citing the need for enhanced coordination in external cooperation, particularly for matters involving Keralites abroad. The state has a significant expatriate population, and effective liaison with the MEA and foreign missions is crucial for addressing their issues and fostering international collaboration in areas like education, culture, finance, and investments.
Political Reactions and Constitutional Concerns
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President K Surendran strongly criticized the move, calling it a “blatant overreach” and a violation of the Union List of the Constitution. He questioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s motives, suggesting that the appointment could be an attempt to position Kerala as a separate entity within India.
Surendran expressed his concerns on social media platform ‘X’: “The appointment of an IAS officer as ‘Foreign Secretary’ in Kerala by CM Pinarayi Vijayan is a blatant overreach and a violation of the Union list of our Constitution. The LDF government has no mandate in foreign affairs. This unconstitutional move sets a dangerous precedent. Is CM @pinarayivijayan trying to establish Keralam as a separate nation?”
Historical Context and Precedents
This is not the first instance of Kerala making unconventional appointments for handling external cooperation. In 2021, the LDF government appointed former IFS officer Venu Rajamony as an officer on special duty in New Delhi with the rank of chief secretary. His role involved liaising with the MEA and exploring international collaboration opportunities.
Conclusion
The appointment of K Vasuki as ‘Foreign Secretary’ by the Kerala government raises significant constitutional and legal questions. While the move aims to enhance the state’s external cooperation capabilities, it also challenges established protocols and the division of powers between state and central governments. As this controversy unfolds, the central government’s response and potential legal challenges will be pivotal in determining the legitimacy and future of such appointments.