Chennai, Feb 8 (NationPress) In a decisive move to finalize outstanding institutional appointments prior to the Assembly election cycle, the Tamil Nadu government has escalated its efforts to occupy several key statutory positions within various commissions and public entities.

This initiative emerges at a politically charged moment, with the Model Code of Conduct anticipated imminently. The Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has chosen to abstain from a vital selection committee meeting.

One of the immediate focuses is to bolster the State Information Commission, which is responsible for addressing Right to Information (RTI) appeals and grievances. To enhance operational efficiency and mitigate backlog, the government plans to augment the number of Information Commissioners and appoint two additional members through a formal selection process slated for the upcoming week. Currently, the Commission is led by the Chief Information Commissioner and six Information Commissioners: Md Shakeel Akhter, P. Thamarai Kannan, P. Priyakumar, K. Thirumalaimuthu, M. Selvaraj, V.P.R. Elamparithi, and M. Natesan. Two more members are expected to join before election regulations limit significant administrative actions.

A search committee, chaired by former judge Justice K.B.K. Vasuki, has already compiled a list of potential candidates. The panel also features retired IAS officer M.P. Sivanarul and former IPS officer K. Radhakrishnan.

Applications were solicited from qualified individuals with administrative or legal expertise. Following established protocols, Information Commissioners are appointed by the Governor based on the suggestions of a three-member committee that includes the Chief Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister appointed by the Chief Minister.

The meeting is set for February 13 at the Secretariat. Although Palaniswami was invited, sources revealed that he notified officials of his absence.

Simultaneously, the government has initiated the process of selecting a Chairperson for the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission. Applications will be accepted until February 18, and officials anticipate concluding the appointment by the end of the month.

Furthermore, a notification has been released for the direct recruitment of a Principal for the All India Civil Services Coaching Centre.

Senior officials have indicated that the government is eager to finalize all these appointments swiftly to prevent any delays once the election notification and Model Code of Conduct are implemented, which would limit such administrative actions.