CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt on Sunday appointed chief secretary Shiv Das Meena as chairman of Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TN RERA). Chief minister’s secretary 1 N Muruganandam would replace Meena as chief secretary. The official order on Muruganandam replacing Meena is expected on Monday, sources said.
The position of RERA chairperson had been vacant for six months, after K Gnanadesikan completed his tenure on Feb 10. The housing and urban development department, in an order issued Sunday, said the selection committee recommended eligible candidates for appointment to the post of chairperson. “The govt after careful examination of recommendations of selection committee, hereby appoint Shiv Das Meena as chairperson of TN RERA,” said the order.
Meena would serve as chairman for a term not exceeding five years or until he is 65 years old. Meena would not be eligible for re-appointment and will assume charge on Monday, despite having two months left for superannuation.
Shiv Das Meena, who has a career spanning three decades, was previously handpicked by chief minister M K Stalin to lead the municipal administration and water supply department. In June 2023, Meena succeeded V Irai Anbu as the chief secretary.
Murugananadam, is a 1991 batch officer and a native of Chennai. He holds a master’s degree in electronics and communications engineering from Anna University. Muruganandam has served in various capacities, including responsibilities in transport, public works, urban and rural development departments, besides environment and forest department.
DMK govt had retained Murugananadam to lead the industries department initially assigned to him by the previous Edappadi K Palaniswami regime. He served as finance secretary as well in the DMK regime. In the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, he had served as director general of the lighthouses and lightships.
“Muruganandam is the only officer from Tamil Nadu in the senior rank as others moved to Central deputation. He is a fine officer to steer the administration,” said an official source, privy to the developments. One of the frontrunners for the next chief minister’s secretary I post is K Phanindra Reddy, who is currently transport secretary.
