N S Palaniappan, born on June 4, 1956, is a retired IAS officer from the 1983 Tamil Nadu cadre. He holds a graduate degree and a postgraduate degree in Economics. Throughout his career, he served in various capacities including Sub Collector, Project Officer, Deputy Secretary, Director, Additional Secretary, District Collector, Transport Commissioner, Secretary, and Managing Director. His most recent position was Principal Secretary in the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, a role he assumed on October 9, 2013. Palaniappan's extensive service reflects a diverse administrative experience within the Tamil Nadu government.