The Government of Tamil Nadu appoints J. Innocent Divya, IAS, as the new Commissioner of Tourism, with additional charge as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), as part of a major administrative reshuffle involving senior IAS officers across key state departments.
The reshuffle, announced on 14 January 2026, spans key portfolios including tourism, technical education, health, and urban development, and is aimed at strengthening leadership, improving inter-departmental coordination, and enhancing governance and service delivery across the state.
J. Innocent Divya moves to the tourism portfolio from her previous role as Commissioner of Technical Education, taking charge at a critical juncture as Tamil Nadu focuses on revitalising tourism growth, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
A 2009-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, J. Innocent Divya holds a degree in Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.). Over the course of her career, she has held several key administrative positions, including roles in the Chief Minister’s Special Cell, the Greater Chennai Corporation, and as Deputy Secretary in the Food and Consumer Protection Department.
She previously served as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), where she played an active role in flagship initiatives such as Naan Mudhalvan, aimed at equipping youth with industry-relevant skills and improving employability in the post-pandemic period.
One of the most significant phases of her career was her tenure as District Collector of the Nilgiris, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. During this period, she prioritised environmental conservation through initiatives such as plastic bans, strengthened solid waste management systems, and the protection of key wildlife corridors, including the Segur Valley Elephant Corridor. Parallel efforts focused on improving the quality of life for indigenous tribal communities through better access to infrastructure, housing, electricity, nutrition, education, and road connectivity in remote areas.
As Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of TTDC, J. Innocent Divya is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of Tamil Nadu’s tourism development, with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term growth.
