**Executive Summary**
This document is a notification from the Government of Tamil Nadu, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on February 11, 2026. It announces amendments to the Special Rules for the Tamil Nadu General Service, specifically concerning posts within the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department. The amendments take effect immediately upon the issue of these rules.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Amendment Overview:**
* The heading for Class XXII is changed to include Joint Director (Administration) in addition to Deputy Director (Administration) and Administrative Officer.
* The changes pertain to the Animal Husbandry Department.
* **Revised Structure of the Service:**
* The service consists of three categories: Joint Director (Administration), Deputy Director (Administration), and Administrative Officer.
* **Appointment Methods:**
* Joint Director (Administration): By promotion from Deputy Director (Administration).
* Deputy Director (Administration): By promotion from Administrative Officer.
* Administrative Officer: By recruitment by transfer from Manager in the Animal Husbandry Department.
* **Selection Criteria:**
* Promotion to all three posts is based on merit and ability, with seniority considered only when merit and ability are approximately equal.
* **Annual List of Approved Candidates:**
* The crucial date for determining candidate eligibility for promotion or transfer is the 1st of September each year.
* **Appointing Authority:**
* Joint Director (Administration): Government
* Deputy Director (Administration): Government
* Administrative Officer: Director of Animal Husbandry
* **Qualifications:**
* Joint Director (Administration): Must have at least one year of service as Deputy Director (Administration).
* Deputy Director (Administration): Must have served as Administrative Officer for at least two years.
* Administrative Officer:
* Must have a degree from a recognized University.
* Must have at least fifteen years of service in the Animal Husbandry Department.
* Must have passed specific Account Tests.
* **Probation:**
* Administrative Officers are on probation for one year within a continuous period of two years.
* **Savings Clause:**
* The amended rules will not adversely affect the interests of anyone holding the post on the date of issue of these rules.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Current Deputy Directors (Administration)**
* **Impact:** Eligible for promotion to Joint Director (Administration).
* **Action Required:** Ensure qualifications are met and demonstrate sufficient merit and ability.
**Stakeholder: Current Administrative Officers**
* **Impact:** Eligible for promotion to Deputy Director (Administration).
* **Action Required:** Ensure qualifications are met and demonstrate sufficient merit and ability.
**Stakeholder: Managers in the Animal Husbandry Department**
* **Impact:** Eligible for recruitment by transfer to Administrative Officer.
* **Action Required:** Ensure qualifications are met and apply for transfer.
**Stakeholder: Director of Animal Husbandry**
* **Impact:** Authority to appoint Administrative Officers.
* **Action Required:** Follow procedures for recruitment by transfer.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu General Service: The set of rules governing civil servants in Tamil Nadu.
Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department: The Tamil Nadu government department responsible for these sectors; the rules amended pertain to positions within this department.
Constitution of India: The supreme law of India; Article 309 provides the legal basis for the rules.
Chennai: Capital of Tamil Nadu, location where the gazette is printed and published.