Ponnaiyan appointed vice-chairman of State Planning Commission

In a government order, issued by State Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department, it was stated that Ponnaiyan has been appointed as vice chairman of State Planning Commission. “The State Planning Commission functions under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

In order to advice the state government suitably in priority areas, it is considered necessary to appoint a vice-chairman to the State Planning Commission,” the GO stated.

The Commission which was formed in 1971 is an advisory body to make recommendations to the government for the development of the state. The Commission has a chairman, vice-chairman, a full-time member, members, member-secretary and ex-officio members. After the appointment of Ponnaiyan, the posts of full-time member and members for the Commission is stilllying vacant.

Ponnaiyan has served as finance minister under two former chief ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. He also has a wide knowledge in various fields such as education, industry, agriculture, cooperation, highways, transport, law and information technology as he has held the above portfolios in his long political career commencing from 1977.