(1)The Government shall appoint an officer not below the rank of [Divisional Development Officer in the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Development Service] [Substituted for the words 'Joint Director of Rural Development' by Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Third Amendment) Act, 1998 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1998).] as [Secretary] [Substituted for the words 'Chief Executive Officer' by Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Third Amendment) Act, 1998 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1998).] of the District Panchayat.
