The Tamil Nadu Institute of Urban Studies (TNIUS) is a state level training and research Institute established by the Government of Tamil Nadu to impart training to the personnel of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), conduct research studies and to undertake consultancy services in areas related to urban administration and development. 

While TNIUS has been offering regular programmes, there has been a felt need to strengthen TNIUS along various lines. With manifold increase in urban population, urban administrative units, number of elected representatives, number of functionaries in the urban sector, it is envisaged that TNIUS can play a key role in building the capacity of the ULBs in training and research. The nature and scope of services of the ULBs to be rendered also have improved to the incredible level. Substantial capacities will have to be created to make ULBs ready for participating in the process of transforming urban Tamil Nadu. The plan is to increase the capacity of faculty to work on critical urban areas, offer wide range of programmes that enlighten the personnel in administration and management of ULBs. 

Origin and development of TNIUS

With a view to achieve greater efficiency in the functioning of the administration of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs),  TNIUS  was  constituted in the year 1981 to impart training to the personnel  of ULBs and to  conduct  research studies and  to undertake consultancy services   in the field   of Municipal Administration. TNIUS has been registered as a Society   under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 1975 and governed by its Rules and Regulations framed under the byelaws of the TNIUS Society.

Objectives

The principal objectives of the Institute are:

• to create awareness  on the need  for   the  application of latest management  techniques in  various branches of municipal administration;

• to disseminate  knowledge of municipal administration and urban development through training programs, seminars, conferences,  publications etc;

• to conduct research studies  and  consultancy  services in urban development, municipal administration and related disciplines and

• to foster and  assist  in the development of urban infrastructure and  for integrated urban development.

TNIUS Society and Management Committee

Society

          TNIUS Society is headed by the Principal Secretary to Government, MA&WS Department, as the Chairperson.  The Commissioner of Municipal Administration is the Vice Chairperson and the Director of the Institute is the Member-Secretary of the Society.

Management Committee

The administration of the Institute is vested with the Committee of Management headed by the Principal Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department as the Chairperson.  The Commissioner of Municipal Administration is the Vice-Chairperson and the Director of the Institute is the Member-Secretary of the Committee, looking after the day to day affairs of the Institute.

Human Resources

Faculty

The Director looks after the day to day affairs of the Institute. There are six faculty positions such as two Associate Professors and four Assistant Professors.  The positions and disciplines of faculty members are given below.

          Posts                                       Discipline

1. Associate Professor               ..        Financial Management

2. Associate Professor               ..        Municipal Finance

3. Assistant Professor               ..        Urban Planning and Environmental Engineering

4. Assistant Professor               ..        Women studies

5. Assistant Professor/Faculty   ..       Community Development/Public Health

6. Assistant Professor               ..        Public Administration

While the faculty of different disciplines engage themselves in developing specialization in their areas, the Institute follows multi-disciplinary approach with inter-disciplinary strategies and activities.

Supportive Staff

The Administrative staff strength of the Institute is given below: