Himachal Pradesh: In a significant administrative development, the Himachal Pradesh government has appointed retired IAS officer R D Dhiman (1988 batch: HP), who previously served as the Chief Secretary of the state, as the Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Alongside him, retired officer Amit Kashyap has been appointed as a member of the authority.
Tenure Details Outlined in Official Notification
According to the official notification issued by the state government, the tenure of both appointees—Chairperson R D Dhiman and Member Amit Kashyap—will span five years or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever comes earlier, from the date they assume office.
High Court’s Intervention Prompted Swift Action
These appointments come in the wake of a stern directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had, just last week, criticized the state government for the delay in filling the top posts at RERA. The court had directed the government to issue the relevant notifications for the posts of Chairperson and other members no later than June 25. Complying with this timeline, the government has acted swiftly to avoid further judicial scrutiny.
Background of Appointees
R D Dhiman, a highly experienced bureaucrat, retired as Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh and is well-regarded for his administrative acumen and leadership. Amit Kashyap, also a seasoned officer, brings his own legacy of effective governance to the regulatory body.
Strengthening Real Estate Oversight in the State
The appointments are expected to strengthen the functioning of RERA in Himachal Pradesh, which plays a pivotal role in protecting the interests of homebuyers, ensuring transparency in the real estate sector, and adjudicating disputes efficiently.
About RERA
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, also known as RERA, is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate the real estate sector and protect the interests of homebuyers. It establishes state-level regulatory authorities (RERAs) to oversee real estate projects, ensure transparency and accountability, and provide a mechanism for dispute resolution. While most states have notified rules under RERA and established regulatory authorities, Nagaland is the only state that is still in the process of notifying the rules.
