Chennai, February 8: The Tamil Nadu government is intensifying efforts to fill several key statutory positions in commissions and public bodies ahead of the assembly election process. This initiative aims to complete pending institutional appointments.
Strengthening the State Information Commission is a top priority for the government, which oversees appeals and complaints related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In line with this, the government has decided to increase the number of information commissioners and fill two additional positions through a formal selection process scheduled for next week.
Currently, the commission is led by the Chief Information Commissioner and six information commissioners. Two more members are expected to be added before the code of conduct is enforced.
According to reports, a committee chaired by former judge Justice K.B.K. Vasuki has already shortlisted candidates. The panel includes retired IAS officer M.P. Shivanarul and former IPS officer K. Radhakrishnan.
Applications have been invited from qualified individuals with administrative or legal experience. As per the procedure, a three-member committee, including a cabinet minister, recommends candidates for the appointment of information commissioners. Following this recommendation, the Governor appoints the commissioners.
A significant selection committee meeting is scheduled for February 13 at the Secretariat. Opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has decided not to participate in the meeting. Sources indicate that he was invited but informed officials of his absence.
Additionally, the government has initiated the process for appointing a chairperson for the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission. Applications for this position will be accepted until February 18, and it is expected that the appointment will be finalized by the end of the month.
Moreover, a notification has been issued for direct recruitment of the principal for the All India Civil Services Coaching Centre.
Senior officials have indicated that the government aims to complete all these appointments as soon as possible to avoid delays once the election notification and code of conduct come into effect, which would halt administrative decisions.
