The Government of Telangana recently made a significant announcement under the Right to Information Act, 2005. In a move to strengthen transparency and accountability, Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy, IFS, has been appointed as the State Chief Information Commissioner for Telangana. This appointment, effective from the date Reddy assumes office, marks a pivotal moment for the state’s governance. Issued on May 5, 2025, under G.O.Ms. No. 106 by the General Administration Department, the notification highlights Reddy’s tenure, which will last until he reaches the age of 65 or for three years, whichever comes first, as outlined in Section 16 of the RTI Act, 2005.
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy: A Profile of Excellence in Forestry and Governance
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the 1991 batch, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Hailing from Boregaon village in Adilabad District, Reddy’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional one. He holds a B.Sc. in Forestry from Osmania University and a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Furthering his expertise, Reddy earned a master’s in Management and Public Policy from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, and Syracuse University, USA. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Kakatiya University, with a focus on bio-diesel species in overburden dumps of open cast mines.
Reddy’s 34-year career spans critical areas such as natural resource management, wildlife conservation, watershed-based livelihoods, and urban forestry. Currently serving as the Principal Secretary to the Honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, he also holds the position of Full Additional Charge of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited. His contributions to eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forestry practices have earned him accolades, including the Spl. Lifetime Achievement Award from Raj Bhavan, Telangana, and the Indira Priyadarshini Vruksha Mitra Award for eco-friendly initiatives in Singareni Collieries.
A Legacy of Leadership: Reddy’s Contributions to Telangana’s Development
Reddy’s career is a testament to his dedication to environmental sustainability and governance. He has served as the Project Director for DFID, JICA, and World Bank-aided livelihoods and water sector projects in Telangana. Additionally, he coordinated the 86th and 87th foundation courses for IFS officers and Indian Civil Services trainees at Dr. MCR HRD, under the aegis of LBSNAA, Mussoorie. As the founder Dean of Forest College & Research Institute in Telangana, Reddy played a pivotal role in advancing forestry education and research in the state.
His efforts in eco-tourism and sustainable forestry are noteworthy. Reddy has been instrumental in developing eucalyptus alternatives for commercial plantations and establishing transformative botanical gardens in Hyderabad, such as “Vruksha Parichaya Kshetram,” which educates children about plants through 75 eco-tourism themes. His leadership extends to urban forestry initiatives, including the establishment of oxygen parks, forest trek parks, and the Zoological Park in Hyderabad, where he also served as Director.
Official Notification and Distribution
The appointment notification, signed by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, has been directed to several key stakeholders for immediate action. These include Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy himself, the Commissioner of Printing, Stationery & Stores Purchase, and the Telangana Extraordinary Gazette, which has been instructed to publish 1,000 copies of the notification. The directive also extends to the Secretary of the Telangana State Information Commission, district collectors, heads of departments, and other key officials across the state to ensure widespread dissemination of this development.
This appointment underscores Telangana’s commitment to upholding the principles of the RTI Act, ensuring that citizens have access to information and that governance remains transparent and accountable. Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy’s extensive experience and dedication to public service position him as an ideal leader to drive this mission forward.
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Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy: Telangana’s New State Chief Information Commissioner and His Impact on Transparency
The Government of Telangana has taken a bold step toward enhancing transparency and accountability by appointing Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy, IFS, as the State Chief Information Commissioner under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Announced on May 5, 2025, through G.O.Ms. No. 106 by the General Administration Department, this appointment marks a significant milestone for the state. With Reddy’s extensive experience in forestry, governance, and environmental sustainability, Telangana is poised to strengthen its commitment to open governance. This article explores Reddy’s illustrious career, his contributions to Telangana’s development, and the implications of his new role as the State Chief Information Commissioner.
Who Is Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy? A Leader in Forestry and Governance
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy, a 1991 batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, brings unparalleled expertise to his new role as Telangana’s State Chief Information Commissioner. Born in Boregaon village, Echoda Mandal, Adilabad District, Reddy has built a remarkable academic and professional foundation. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Forestry from Osmania University and pursued a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. His academic journey didn’t stop there—Reddy earned a master’s in Management and Public Policy from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, and Syracuse University, USA. He also holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Kakatiya University, where his research focused on bio-diesel species in overburden dumps of open cast mines at Singareni Collieries.
With 34 years of experience, Reddy has made significant contributions to natural resource management, wildlife conservation, watershed-based livelihoods, drought and flood mitigation, urban forestry, and eco-tourism. Currently, he serves as the Principal Secretary to the Honorable Chief Minister of Telangana while also holding the positions of Full Additional Charge of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited. His leadership in these roles has solidified his reputation as a visionary in both environmental sustainability and governance.
The Significance of Reddy’s Appointment as State Chief Information Commissioner
The appointment of Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy as Telangana’s State Chief Information Commissioner underscores the state’s dedication to upholding the Right to Information Act, 2005. As per the notification issued on May 5, 2025, Reddy will serve in this role until he reaches the age of 65 or for a term of three years, whichever comes first, in accordance with Section 16 of the RTI Act. This move aligns with Telangana’s broader mission to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, allowing citizens to access critical information with ease.
Reddy’s tenure as the State Chief Information Commissioner is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the role. His background in public policy, environmental management, and governance equips him to handle the complexities of ensuring that government operations remain transparent. By leveraging his experience, Reddy can strengthen the mechanisms through which citizens exercise their right to information, fostering greater trust between the government and the public.
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership in Telangana
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy’s career is a testament to his commitment to environmental sustainability and public service. Over the past 34 years, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have transformed Telangana’s approach to forestry, wildlife conservation, and eco-tourism. Below are some of his most notable contributions:
Pioneering Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Forestry
Reddy has been a driving force behind Telangana’s eco-tourism initiatives. He has worked tirelessly to develop eucalyptus alternatives for commercial plantations, ensuring sustainable forestry practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. One of his standout projects is the establishment of “Vruksha Parichaya Kshetram,” a transformative botanical garden in Hyderabad. This garden educates children about plants through 75 eco-tourism themes, fostering environmental awareness from a young age.
Additionally, Reddy has championed urban forestry projects, including the creation of oxygen parks, forest trek parks, and the Zoological Park in Hyderabad, where he also served as Director. These initiatives have not only enhanced the state’s green cover but also provided residents with accessible spaces to connect with nature.
Advancing Forestry Education and Research
As the founder Dean of the Forest College & Research Institute in Telangana, Reddy played a pivotal role in advancing forestry education and research. He served in this capacity from 2016 to 2021, during which he also held the responsibilities of Additional PCCF Hyderabad Circle. His leadership helped establish the institute as a hub for innovation in forestry, equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges.
Reddy also coordinated the 86th and 87th foundation courses for IFS officers and Indian Civil Services trainees at Dr. MCR HRD, under the aegis of LBSNAA, Mussoorie. His contributions to training and capacity building have had a lasting impact on the development of skilled professionals in the field of forestry and governance.
Leading High-Impact Environmental Projects
Throughout his career, Reddy has led several high-impact projects funded by international organizations such as DFID, JICA, and the World Bank. As Project Director, he focused on livelihoods and water sector initiatives, improving the lives of communities across Telangana. His work in watershed management, drought and flood mitigation, and biodiversity conservation has earned him widespread recognition.
Reddy’s efforts have been honored with prestigious awards, including the Spl. Lifetime Achievement Award from Raj Bhavan, Telangana, for his environmental conservation efforts. He also received the Indira Priyadarshini Vruksha Mitra Award for his eco-friendly initiatives in Singareni Collieries, further cementing his legacy as a leader in sustainable development.
Reddy’s Role in Strengthening Telangana’s Governance
Beyond his contributions to environmental sustainability, Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy has played a key role in strengthening Telangana’s governance framework. His experience in public policy and management has enabled him to drive impactful reforms across various sectors. Below are some of his notable achievements in governance:
Enhancing Transparency Through the RTI Act
As the newly appointed State Chief Information Commissioner, Reddy is well-positioned to enhance transparency in Telangana’s governance. The Right to Information Act, 2005, empowers citizens to access information from public authorities, promoting accountability and reducing corruption. With Reddy at the helm, the Telangana State Information Commission is expected to streamline processes, ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights effectively.
Reddy’s background in public policy, gained through his master’s program at IIM Bangalore and Syracuse University, gives him a deep understanding of governance challenges. He is likely to implement measures that make information more accessible to the public, fostering a culture of openness and trust.
Leading Key Administrative Roles
Reddy’s career is marked by his ability to take on multiple high-stakes roles simultaneously. Since April 2025, he has served as the Principal Secretary to the Honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, a position that requires exceptional administrative and leadership skills. In addition, he holds the roles of Full Additional Charge of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Telangana Forest Development Corporation Limited.
His earlier roles, such as Additional PCCF Hyderabad Circle and Director of TSFA, demonstrate his versatility in managing complex administrative responsibilities. Reddy’s ability to balance these roles while driving impactful initiatives makes him a valuable asset to Telangana’s governance framework.
The Official Notification: A Step Toward Transparent Governance
The appointment of Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy as Telangana’s State Chief Information Commissioner was formalized through a notification issued by the General Administration Department on May 5, 2025. Signed by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, the notification outlines the terms of Reddy’s tenure and directs key stakeholders to take immediate action.
The Commissioner of Printing, Stationery & Stores Purchase has been instructed to publish 1,000 copies of the notification in the Telangana Extraordinary Gazette. This ensures that the appointment is widely disseminated across the state, reaching all relevant authorities and citizens. The directive also extends to the Secretary of the Telangana State Information Commission, district collectors, heads of departments, and other officials, emphasizing the importance of this development.
How Reddy’s Appointment Impacts Telangana’s Future
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy’s appointment as State Chief Information Commissioner is a game-changer for Telangana. His extensive experience in forestry, governance, and public policy positions him as a leader who can drive meaningful change. Below are some of the ways his tenure is expected to impact the state:
Strengthening Citizen Empowerment
The Right to Information Act is a powerful tool for citizen empowerment, and Reddy’s leadership will ensure that this tool is used effectively. By streamlining processes and improving access to information, he can help citizens hold public authorities accountable, fostering a more participatory form of governance.
Promoting Environmental Awareness Through Transparency
Reddy’s background in environmental sustainability gives him a unique perspective on the role of transparency in promoting environmental awareness. As State Chief Information Commissioner, he can ensure that information related to environmental policies, projects, and initiatives is readily available to the public. This can encourage greater citizen involvement in environmental conservation efforts, aligning with Reddy’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
Setting a Precedent for Effective Governance
Reddy’s appointment sets a precedent for effective governance in Telangana. His ability to combine expertise in environmental management with a deep understanding of public policy makes him an ideal candidate to lead the Telangana State Information Commission. His tenure is likely to inspire other states to prioritize transparency and accountability in their governance frameworks.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Telangana Under Reddy’s Leadership
Sri G. Chandrashekar Reddy’s appointment as Telangana’s State Chief Information Commissioner marks the beginning of a new era for the state. With his impressive academic background, 34 years of experience, and a proven track record of leadership, Reddy is well-equipped to drive transparency and accountability in governance. His contributions to environmental sustainability, eco-tourism, and public policy have already left a lasting impact on Telangana, and his new role promises to build on this legacy.
As Telangana moves forward under Reddy’s leadership, citizens can expect a more transparent and accountable government. His commitment to public service, combined with his expertise in governance and environmental management, makes him the ideal leader to champion the principles of the Right to Information Act. With Reddy at the helm, Telangana is poised for a brighter, more sustainable future.
