Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has appointed retired IAS officer N Jayaram (2004 batch) as a Member of the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA), filling a key position that had remained vacant for nearly one-and-a-half years following the retirement of former IPS officer Neelamani N. Raju in January 2025.
The appointment was notified by the Housing Department on July 15, 2026.
Vacancy Filled After Nearly 18 Months
The member’s post in K-RERA had remained vacant since Neelamani N. Raju retired in January last year, leading to prolonged speculation over the appointment.
According to sources, the delay was attributed to differing views over the choice of candidate. Former Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan had reportedly recommended Sarfaraz Khan, his former private secretary, for the position.
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Retired IAS officer N Jayaram was also among the leading contenders. However, the appointment remained pending during the tenure of then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Appointment Cleared After Housing Portfolio Changed Hands
Sources said the appointment gathered momentum after the recent Cabinet restructuring, following which Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assumed charge of the Housing Department.
Shivakumar is understood to have approved Jayaram’s appointment to the state’s real estate regulatory authority.
Experienced Administrator
N Jayaram retired from the Indian Administrative Service in May 2025 after holding several important positions in the Karnataka government.
During his career, he served as:
- Commissioner, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)
- Chairman, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)
His extensive experience in urban development and infrastructure administration is expected to strengthen the functioning of K-RERA.
Five-Year Tenure
According to the government notification, N Jayaram will serve as Member, Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Background
During Jayaram’s tenure as BDA Commissioner, the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout Site Allottees’ Associationhad approached K-RERA seeking relief over delays in completing the housing project, alleging that the Bangalore Development Authority had failed to complete the project even a decade after site allotments.
With the appointment of N Jayaram, the Karnataka government has ended a prolonged vacancy in the state’s real estate regulator, which oversees the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act and protects the interests of homebuyers and developers.
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