Deepak Kumar replaces Ragesh as Collector

PUDUCHERRY: SB Deepak Kumar was appointed as the Collector of Puducherry after the government relieved G Ragesh Chandra of all responsibilities. An order to this effect was issued by Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh on Tuesday. Ragesh Chandra had been booked by the CBI in a case pertaining to irregularities in the construction of 1,440 houses under the Tsunami Rehabilitation Project in his capacity as Project Director of Project Implementation Agency (PIA).  He has proceeded on leave and will be in Chennai as per the directions of CBI for the next 10 days. According to the notification issued by Chief Secretary M Sathiavathy, Deepak Kumar, who is Secretary, Housing, has also been appointed Excise Commissioner and Project Director, PIA, relieving Ragesh Chandra.He has also been allotted the Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf and Excise.  He would also officiate as Special Secretary (Revenue) and report to Secretary Revenue.P Mathew Samuel, Special Secretary (Industries), in addition to the subjects held by him, has been allotted Civil Supplies and Cooperation.  Mathew Samuel will also function as administrator, Pondicherry State Cooperative Bank.  G Theva Neethi Dhas, Special Secretary (Personnel), in addition to the subjects held by him, has been allotted Adi-Dravidar welfare.Ragesh Chandra  would report to the DP and AR (PW) for further posting on expiry of his leave.