Retired IAS officer Rakesh Singh becomes the new head of K-RERA

The Government of Karnataka has appointed retired IAS officer Rakesh Singh as the chairman of the state’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority. This position became vacant earlier this year following the completion of H C Kishore Chandra’s term as chairman.

During the transitional time, Naveen Raj Singh, principal secretary of housing department, was appointed by the state government to temporarily fulfill the role of chairman at K-RERA. 

Singh was appointed as the new chairperson of the regulatory body following an interim order passed by Karnataka High Court. Earlier this month, Naveen Raj Singh was restrained from acting as the chairman with immediate effect due to lack of provision in rules for state government officials to fill vacancies. As per court ruling, until a fresh appointment is made, K-RERA's senior-most member will act as in-charge chairperson.

Singh brings approximately 35 years of experience from roles in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), and the urban development department. He retired as the Additional Chief Secretary of both the Urban Development Department and the Water Resources Department, as well as the Administrator of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

According to regulations, the chairperson's term is five years from the date they assume the position, or until they turn 65 years old, whichever comes first. Re-appointment is not permitted.

According to the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 and Karnataka's Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Rules of 2017, guidelines for appointing a chairperson are specified.

In a letter dated June 13, 2024, the Karnataka Home Buyers Forum communicated various issues to Manohar Lal Khattar – Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. The forum comprises 400 members who raised concerns that included inconvenient delays in complaint redressal by K-RERA (Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority), insufficient recuperation of compensation money awarded to buyers and inconsistencies pertaining to sale deed documentation.