P. Geetha Jeevan

P. Geetha Jeevan was born on 6 May 1970 in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India, into a politically active family. She is the daughter of N. Periasamy Nadar, a senior DMK leader who served as an MLA from Thoothukkudi in 1989 and 1996. She holds a master’s degree in commerce from A.P.C. Mahalakshmi College for Women, Thoothukudi, and attended Geetha Matriculation Higher Secondary School in her hometown.

Geetha Jeevan began her political career at the grassroots level. She served as a member and later chairperson of the Thoothukudi District Panchayat from 1996 to 2006, gaining experience in local governance and community development. During this period, she focused on rural development, women’s welfare, and district‑level administrative issues.

In 2006, Geetha Jeevan was elected as an MLA from Thoothukkudi and was soon appointed Minister for Social Welfare in the DMK government led by then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. She was later appointed Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment (2008–2011), where she worked on expanding social support schemes for women and children, including welfare and nutrition programmes across the state.

In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Geetha Jeevan lost her seat to S. T. Chellapandian of the AIADMK, reflecting the broader shift against the DMK that year. However, she remained active in the party and focused on organisational work and public outreach. In 2016, she successfully regained the Thoothukkudi assembly seat, marking her return to legislative politics.

Following her 2021 re‑election, Geetha Jeevan was appointed Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment in the DMK government under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, where she continues to serve. In this role, she has been associated with policies and programmes aimed at improving children’s welfare services like Anganwadi centres and schemes focused on women’s safety and empowerment. For example, she has highlighted measures such as new police units and complaint hotlines to enhance protection for women and children.

As of 2026, P. Geetha Jeevan is a veteran legislator and minister, recognised for her contributions to social welfare, women’s empowerment, and grassroots development. Her political career spans over two decades, with a combination of ministerial leadership and constituency-focused service.