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Beela Rajesh (IAS) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 28, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth15 November 1969

Age55 (at time of death in 2025)

BirthplaceMadras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu

ProfessionCivil Servant (IAS)

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried (at time of death)

SpouseRajesh Das

FamilyTwo daughters: Pinky and Preethu; father S. N. Venkatesan; mother Rani Venkatesan

Beela Rajesh (IAS) Biography

Beela Rajesh was an Indian Administrative Service officer from the 1997 batch who served in senior administrative roles in Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Early life and background
Beela Rajesh, also known as Beela Venkatesan, was born on 15 November 1969 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. She earned an MBBS degree from Madras Medical College before deciding to prepare for the civil services. Coming from a family with public service connections—her father, S. N. Venkatesan, was a retired Director General of Police and her mother, Rani Venkatesan, was a veteran politician—she joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1997 after clearing the UPSC examination.

Career
Following training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Beela began her administrative career with field postings as an Assistant Collector in Bhojpur, Bihar. Her early roles included various district- and state-level responsibilities in Bihar and Jharkhand, including Deputy Commissioner and Collector positions in Dhanbad.

Over the years she held a wide range of appointments across departments and ministries. She served in the Ministry of Textiles’ export promotion organisations in Chennai as Executive Director and Managing Director. She also worked in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and occupied multiple roles within Tamil Nadu’s state administration, including positions in social welfare, municipal administration and urban development, and the education department.

In 2017 she was appointed Commissioner of Town & Country Planning, and later she served as Commissioner for Medicines, Health & Family Welfare in Chennai. On 17 February 2019 she was appointed Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu, a post that placed her at the center of public health administration in the state.

As Health Secretary she confronted immediate and complex challenges, from maternal deaths linked to infected blood to issues around medico-legal recording and widespread labour actions by medical staff. Observers and colleagues described her as an efficient administrator who acted decisively to initiate inquiries, pursue disciplinary steps and enforce protocol. Her medical training was seen by some as a contributing factor in her handling of the health portfolio.

During the COVID-19 pandemic she became a familiar presence at press briefings for the state. Reports noted that while she consistently provided statistics and administrative updates, some journalists and officials perceived her as curt or impatient in interactions. Those who worked under her described strict adherence to orders and a work environment shaped by firm, top-down direction.

In June 2020 she took on the role of Chief Secretary for the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department of Tamil Nadu, serving in that capacity until June 2023. On 19 June 2023 she was appointed Energy Secretary for the state, continuing a long tenure in senior administrative posts.

Public profile
Beela’s visibility increased substantially during public health crises, particularly during the pandemic, when she regularly briefed the media and managed rapidly evolving administrative responses. Her background as a doctor-turned-bureaucrat and her record of decisive action were frequently highlighted in coverage of her work. At the same time, commentary from journalists and some colleagues noted that her style could be brisk and that she was not always perceived as highly accessible.

Personal life
Beela Rajesh married Rajesh Das, an IPS officer, in 1992. The couple had two daughters, named Pinky and Preethu. Her father, S. N. Venkatesan, served as a police officer at a senior level and her mother, Rani Venkatesan, was active in politics. She was reported to be approximately 161 cm tall with black hair and black eyes.

Latest updates
Beela Rajesh passed away in Chennai on 24 September 2025 after a prolonged battle with a brain tumour. At the time of her death she was reported to be 55 years old. Her death was noted in accounts of her long administrative career across multiple states and departments.
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Recent Work

Energy Secretary, Tamil Nadu

Appointed Energy Secretary on 19 June 2023; previously served as Chief Secretary (Commercial Taxes and Registration) and Health Secretary.

2023
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Career Highlights

  1. Joined the Indian Administrative Service in the 1997 batch
  2. Served as Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu from 17 February 2019
  3. Held senior roles including Commissioner of Town & Country Planning and Chief Secretary (Commercial Taxes and Registration)
  4. Appointed Energy Secretary of Tamil Nadu on 19 June 2023
  5. Early district-level postings included Assistant Collector and Collector in Bihar and Jharkhand
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Beela Rajesh (IAS) born?

15 November 1969

What is Beela Rajesh (IAS) known for?

Civil Servant (IAS)

What is Beela Rajesh (IAS)’s marital status?

Married (at time of death)

Who is Beela Rajesh (IAS) married to?

Rajesh Das