These days babus like to top up their career with a stint as neta, regardless of their potential role and position in the party to which they are inclined. In Andhra Pradesh, certain officials, deemed to be siding with the ruling YSRCP, are reportedly keen on seeking VRS for making the switch to the political arena. The corridors of power are discussing the prospects of seven officials who could be seen in their new avatar as netas. At this point, we know that three of them are IAS officers and the rest are IPS officers.
Foresight benefits senior IAS officer
Foresight appears to have helped AP cadre senior IAS officer Giridhar Aramane to lengthen his own service and contribute indirectly to the elevation of another senior IAS officer. A little bird told us that when Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy initially offered him the Chief Secretary post to succeed Sameer Sharma who retired, Giridhar expressed his preference to continue in central service. Having served as secretary of the Defence Ministry since November last, Giridhar is due to retire in June. However, the Central government has extended his service by one year. The buzz in the corridors of power is that had he accepted the CS post; Giridhar, even if continued as Chief Secretary post retirement, would have got extension of service only for six months: three months at the behest of the state government and another three more months at the pleasure of the central government upon approval by the Department of Personnel and Training. His peers point out that in the combined Andhra Pradesh state Giridhar had served in many departments winning hearts as “a sincere officer”. No wonder, the Centre too is now defending his service. On hindsight, the corridors of power are discussing how, thanks to Giridhar’s preference, Jagan fell back on KS Jawahar Reddy for the Chief Secretary post.
Ups and downs in administration
In state administration, promotion need not always be an elevation; a person can be kicked upstairs; that is, given a job or position that seems more important but has less power. For some, the situation could be worse. In AP, senior IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar’s troubles have not ended even after he was promoted to the rank of DGP from his position as Additional Director General of Police. A month after Sunil Kumar’s elevation, the government had directed him to report to the General Administration Department. On Sunday, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, acting at the behest of the State Home Minister, directed the state DGP K Rajendranath Reddy to initiate action against Sunil Kumar in connection with a case filed by an advocate. The advocate has accused Sunil of misusing power in his capacity as CID ADG to take revenge against opposition leaders. Interestingly, the CS has sought the action taken report immediately.
Central deputation no longer greener pastures
Under relaxed AIS rules, babus cut up with the state administration always have the option to go on central deputation. Of course, they need to make the right moves. Although the thought of going on Central deputation has been uppermost in the minds of several bureaucrats in Telangana for the past one year, ever since the new Chief Secretary took over most of them have dropped their plans. A little bird told us that in fact some of them who had gone on deputation want to come back. Amidst all this, what has not changed is babus’ mouni baba-like interaction with the media. An officer shared that it almost feels like bureaucrats have attained Nirvana. None of them is willing to let newshounds have juicy bytes even occasionally.
When following rules, sticking to protocol make news
Following thaw in the frosty ties between the Governor and the state government, officials sandwiched between administrative obligations and political repercussions feel relieved. However, the battle between Pragati Bhavan and Raj Bhavan had been so long with dirty linen washed in public that these days when officials follow rules and protocol, it does make refreshing news.
Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan was received by District Collector Pamela Satpathy and Yadadri temple Executive Officer N.Geetha on her arrival at the temple. During her visits to the shrine in the recent past, the officials were not present. Bureaucratic circles are discussing how the new Chief Secretary set the tone for setting right certain aberrations opportunely on the Republic Day by choosing to follow protocol in letter and spirit.
Waiting for appropriate role after recognition
For state civil servants, being conferred IAS is an occasion to celebrate as it reflects recognition of their services with scope for an enlarged role. About 10 officials were recently conferred IAS in Telangana. But all of them have been retained in the same post. Most of them had hoped to get a new posting, with some jumping the gun to declare their preferences to become MD of so and so corporation. A little bird told us that these secretaries are glad that they have a chance to move away from their current bosses. Two officers were attached to the General Administration Department. It is a sort of demotion when it comes to salary for a few officers. Still, who doesn’t want the IAS tag.
