Overview of the Recent IAS Officer Transfers
In a significant administrative move, the Andhra Pradesh Government has undertaken a major reshuffle involving 19 IAS officers, including notable figures such as Y Sri Lakshmi, Rajat Bhargava, and Praveen Prakash. This reshuffle, directed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu after deliberations with top officials, aims to revamp various governmental departments across the state.
Key Highlights of the Reshuffle
The recent transfers, as outlined in the government order issued by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, include pivotal changes:
- Y Sri Lakshmi, Special Chief Secretary (MA&UD), has been reassigned.
- Rajat Bhargava, Special Chief Secretary (Revenue and Excise), undergoes a change in posting.
- Praveen Prakash, Principal Secretary (School Education Department), has also been transferred.
The reshuffle extends to several other senior officers across different departments, each move strategically planned to optimize administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
According to the Government Order (GO) issued by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, the three IAS officers have not been assigned new postings and are directed to report to the General Administration Department (GAD).
A few days prior, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held discussions with the Chief Secretary and DGP Harish Kumar Gupta to overhaul various departments.
Here is the complete list of transfers:
- G Sai Prasad, IAS (1991), Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, is transferred and posted as Special Chief Secretary to the Government, Water Resources Department, replacing Shashi Bhushan Kumar, IAS (1996).
- Shashi Bhushan Kumar, IAS (1996), is transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Government, P.R. R.D & RWS Department.
- Budithi Rajsekhar, IAS (1992), awaiting a posting, is now Special Chief Secretary to the Government (Agriculture, Sericulture, Cooperation & Marketing), Agriculture & Cooperation Department, replacing Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, IAS (1993).
- Anil Kumar Singhal, IAS (1993), Special Chief Secretary to the Governor, is transferred and posted as Special Chief Secretary to the Government, MA&UD Department.
- Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, IAS (1993), is transferred and posted as Special Chief Secretary to the Government, Labour, Factories, Boilers & Insurance Medical Services Department, replacing M. Hari Jawaharlal, IAS (2005).
- Siddharth Jain, IAS (2001), Commissioner, Survey, Settlement & Land Records, is transferred and posted as Commissioner, Civil Supplies & E.O. Secretary to the Government, CAF & CS Department, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of H. Arun Kumar, IAS (2004) on June 30, 2024.
- Saurabh Gaur, IAS (2002), Commissioner, Intermediate Education, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department, relieving Pola Bhaskara, IAS (2005), from full additional charge. Gaur is also placed in full additional charge of Principal Secretary to the Government, Skills Development Department, relieving S. Suresh Kumar, IAS (2000).
- Kona Sasidhar, IAS (2003), Secretary to the Government, ITE & C Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, School Education Department. He is also placed in full additional charge of the Secretary to the Government, ITE&C Department and RTGS until further orders.
- A. Babu, IAS (2003), Secretary to the Government (Cooperation & Marketing), is posted as Secretary to the Government (Horticulture, Aquaculture, Fisheries), Agriculture & Cooperation Department.
- Bhaskar Katamneni, IAS (2004), Commissioner, School Infrastructure, is transferred to the MA&UD Department for posting as Commissioner, APCRDA, replacing Vivek Yadav, IAS (2008).
- Pradyumna P.S., IAS (2004), Secretary to the Government, TR & B Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Chief Minister. He is relieved from full additional charge of Principal Secretary to the Government (YS&S), YAT & Department, and Joint Director General, APHRDI.
- M. Janaki, IAS (2005), awaiting a posting, is now Secretary to the Government (Expenditure), Finance Department.
- M.M. Nayak, IAS (2005), Commissioner, Handlooms & Textiles, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development Department.
- Pravin Kumar, IAS (2006), Collector & District Magistrate, Tirupati, is transferred and posted as Commissioner & Director, Mines & Geology. He is also placed in full additional charge of the post of MD, A.P. State Mineral Development Corporation, relieving N. Yuvraj, IAS (2005).
- The Joint Collector & Additional District Magistrate, Tirupati, is placed in full additional charge of the post of Collector & District Magistrate, Tirupati, until further orders.
- D. Muralidhar Reddy, IAS (2006), VC & MD, AP Medical Services & Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC), is transferred and directed to report to the General Administration Department for further posting. He is relieved from full additional charge of CEO, SERP, and MD, Medical Education and Research Corporation (MERC).
- Vadarevu Vinay Chand, IAS (2008), awaiting a posting, is now Secretary to the Government (FP), Finance Department, relieving Saurabh Gaur, IAS (2002), from full additional charge.
Also, noteworthy recent incidents include reports of food contamination and a high-profile hit-and-run case involving YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Masthan Rao’s daughter.
Implications and Future Projections
This overhaul is expected to streamline governance and enhance the operational synergy within various administrative bodies. It reflects the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and administrative accountability across key sectors.
Future Roadmap for Administrative Reform
With these changes, the government aims to foster a more responsive and agile administrative setup, better equipped to tackle the evolving challenges and demands of governance in Andhra Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What prompted the recent reshuffle of IAS officers in Andhra Pradesh?
A: The reshuffle was part of a broader strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and governance effectiveness across the state.
Q: How will these transfers impact governance in Andhra Pradesh?
A: The transfers are expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed vigor to the administration, enabling better policy implementation and service delivery.
Q: Who decides on the transfers of IAS officers in Andhra Pradesh?
A: The Chief Minister, in consultation with top officials including the Chief Secretary, plays a pivotal role in deciding and executing such administrative reshuffles.
