Industries Minister Kumaraswamy Gets Krishnaiah As OSD

Krishnaiah’s appointment to the post is for a period of 3 years, 6 months and 18 days (i.e. for the balance period of 4 years tenure), or on co-terminus basis with the Minister, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) said in an order dated April 14, 2025, a copy of which is with The Secretariat.

In the order, the DoPT said, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Heavy Industries for appointment, on contract basis, of B N Krishnaiah, IAS (KN.2000) (retd.) as Officer on Special Duty to the Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel (H D Kumaraswamy) in the M/o Heavy Industries at the level of Deputy Secretary, with pay at level 12 of the pay matrix, in relaxation of upper age limit…” 

Krishnaiah has been known for his silent, no-nonsense work style and administrative acumen. Because of his ability, during his tenure in the state, he was the OSD at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Bangalore during the tenures of four successive Chief Ministers, including S M Krishna, Dharam Singh, H D Kumaraswamy and B S Yediyurappa. 

Krishnaiah was promoted to the IAS grade in the year 2000, and had also served as the OSD to Sadananda Gowda when he was the Minister for Railways in the first Narendra Modi government. He was appointed in the Rail Bhawan as OSD on July 1, 2014, and remained there till November 9, 2014, when the Minister demitted the office. 

As OSD at the CMO in Bangalore, Krishnaiah’s job was to fix the CMs’ daily schedules, accompanying the CM on official tours, taking part in review meetings and fixing appointments for the CM. 

Though a silent, no-nonsense officer, Krishnaiah is famous for working 24x7 and was good at understanding the niceties of administration. Reportedly, he has said that his association with CMO during tenures of four CMs was a “memorable experience”.