Karnataka: Major Manivannan credited for shaping internal reservation matrix ends tenure in SWD | Bengaluru News

BENGALURU: Major Manivannan, who re ended his illustrious tenure as principal eecretary of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) on Tuesday, played a key role in finalising Karnataka’s internal reservation matrix, a complex framework ensuring equitable representation across communities. He studied models from five states before designing the formula, which sources say received appreciation from chief minister Siddaramaiah and other senior ministers. “I just did my job,” Manivannan said.During his tenure at SWD, several administrative reforms were also introduced. The department moved toward a full e-Office system, implemented Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for key schemes, and introduced e-RUPI in programs such as Ganga Kalyana. SPATIKA software enhanced transparency in bill processing. KREIS schools saw increased focus on education through smart classes, computer labs, and martial arts programs.

Other initiatives included monthly File Disposal Reports, stricter beneficiary selection for LPS schemes, timely salaries for outsourced staff, and the Food Transparency and Social Audit project covering over 4.5 lakh residential school students. Public awareness programs on constitutional values and an international educational tour for KREIS students were also conducted. Officials noted that while reforms improved accountability, field-level implementation posed challenges.Major Manivannan, an IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre is also the first to have served in the Indian Army. He also earned recognition in his earlier stints as commissioner of Hubballi- Dharwad Municipal Corporation , deputy of Mysuru district. Recently, he was hailed for managing labour-related issues during the Covud-19 pandemic as Secretary for the Labour and DIPR eepartments. He holds a mid-career Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and is known for transparent administration, including CCTV installations in his chamber and measures against unauthorized constructions. His wife, Salma Faheem, is also an upright IAS officer.