Additional HR&CE commissioner Trichy assumes charge

Trichy: N Ponmani, an IAS officer, assumed charge as the newly appointed additional commissioner of the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department in Trichy on Wednesday.

The post was recently created by the Tamil Nadu govt to strengthen the administration of temples and monitor developmental works across the southern region.Ponmani was previously serving as joint commissioner in the commercial taxes department in Erode before being appointed to the new position.HR&CE sources said the new post was created in view of the expanding scope of the department and the growing number of infrastructure projects being implemented in temples under its administration. Sources said there are several developmental initiatives, including master plan projects that are under way in temples across the southern region. The number of devotees visiting temples has also been increasing steadily.The additional commissioner will ensure services to devotees, oversee the creation of essential facilities, strengthen monitoring of temple activities, and expedite renovation and restoration works.