Govt invites applications for RERA chairman, members

The process for the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has been set rolling following the completion of the term of the present chief Srikant Baldi.

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The appointment of the RERA Chairman assumes significance as Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena is in the race for the post following his superannuation on March 31. The government has invited applications for the post of Chairman and members by January 23.

Apart from Saxena, there are many retired IAS, IPS and technocrats vying for these posts. However, in case Saxena, who is the frontrunner for the post, finds favour with the government, the state will get a new Chief Secretary before his retirement.

The term of Srikant Baldi, RERA Chairman, ended on December 12, 2024. Now, the process for appointment of his successor has been set rolling. Baldi had held the position of Chief Secretary before he was appointed Chairman of RERA.

There is already speculation in the corridors of power on the contenders for the top post of Chief Secretary. The senior-most IAS officer in the state, Sanjay Gupta, a 1988 batch Himachal cadre officer, who was superseded earlier, is learnt to be in the race for the post of Chief Secretary. Presently, he is holding the post of Chief Managing Director (CMD) of the HP State Electricity Board (HPSEB). Since he is due to retire on May 31, 2026, he is keen that he should be made the Chief Secretary.

Kamlesh Kumar Pant, a 1993 batch officer who at present is posted as Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), is also in the race for the top post as after Gupta, he is the senior-most IAS officer posted in the state. He had returned to Himachal after a long stint at the Centre. He will retire on December 31, 2030.

Sanjay Murthy, a 1989 batch Himachal cadre IAS officer, retired on December 31, 2024 and has got an appointment in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Next in line for the post of Chief Secretary is Anuradha Thakur of the 1994 batch. She is at present on a Central deputation in the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs. She will retire on April 30, 2030. Onkar Sharma, at present posted as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), is next in seniority and will retire on February 28, 2027.