T. R. Ramasamy, State Information Commissioner and former Indian Administrative Service officer, died in Chennai in the early hours of Saturday.
He was 62. He is survived by his wife and two sons. According to his family member, Mr Ramasamy, who was battling with lung cancer for a few years, was admitted to a private hospital on Friday after he complained of respiratory problem.
Mr Ramasamy, who belonged to the 1979 batch of IAS officers, held various positions in the government. He was posted to the Thanjavur District as Collector twice (1984 and 1989). He was Managing Director of Chennai Metrowater in 1988. As Additional Secretary in the Public Works Department during 1994-1996, he handled inter-State water disputes, particularly the Cauvery dispute.
In May 1996 when M. Karunanidhi became Chief Minister, Mr Ramasamy was initially posted as Special Secretary to Chief Minister and two years later, became Secretary to Chief Minister.
He again became Secretary to Chief Minister in 2006 when Mr Karunanidhi returned to power.
In the intervening period, he was Commissioner of Disciplinary Proceedings in Nagercoil. After his retirement from service in April 2008, he was appointed State Information Commissioner in May 2008.
