With Amrapali Kata heading to the hills of Mussoorie for the prestigious Phase-III Mid-Career Training Programme at LBSNAA, the Andhra Pradesh government has handed over the tourism baton — and more — to a familiar and capable face. Himanshu Shukla, currently serving as Director and Ex-officio Joint Secretary (I&PR), has been entrusted with full additional charge as Managing Director of APTDC. But that’s not all. Shukla will also be steering three other key roles: CEO of APTA, CEO of BITC, and Commissioner of Archaeology & Museums. It’s a hefty administrative bouquet, but those who’ve worked with him aren’t surprised. Known for his composed leadership and ability to juggle multiple assignments without missing a beat, Shukla is often described as the go-to officer for stabilising transitions and getting things done quietly but effectively. With summer tourism picking up and multiple portfolios now under his care, all eyes will be on how Shukla handles the additional responsibilities. For now, the government seems confident — and rightly so.
Bureaucrats Eye Key Postings as Reshuffle Looms
With the reshuffle of district collectors expected soon, lobbying has intensified behind the scenes. While Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, Sangareddy, and Warangal remain the top-tier picks, their limited availability has pushed many aspirants to recalibrate their sights. One officer from the energy department is said to be actively pursuing a posting in North Telangana, with whispers pointing towards Karimnagar. Though not traditionally in the top bracket, it has gained traction as a viable alternative among those looking for visibility and scope. As the file movement picks up pace, hopefuls are working their contacts and playing it safe — aiming for a district with enough weight, if not the spotlight.
CMO Reshuffle Buzz—More Officers in the Waiting Room
The Secretariat corridors are once again thick with chatter. While only one officer has been recently inducted into the Chief Minister’s Office, three have already made their exit. That arithmetic isn’t sitting well with many in the administrative circuit, who are now anxiously eyeing their phones and files. Sheshadri continues to hold a bulky portfolio with more than a dozen subjects under his command. In contrast, the others in the CMO are managing a modest half a dozen each. The imbalance in distribution is fuelling speculation that more officers may soon be brought in to ease the load and sharpen the government’s grip on execution. Those aspiring for a CMO spot haven’t lost hope. With movement already visible and an obvious vacancy count, the belief is that the next round of appointments might be around the corner. For now, it’s a waiting game — and everyone’s playing it carefully.
Collector in Name, City Girl in Practice?
A 2016 batch IAS officer, currently posted as Collector in a district close to Hyderabad, has stirred quiet disapproval at the top. Whispers in the corridors suggest that she’s spending more time in the city than in her own jurisdiction — and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Top bosses in government are said to have pulled her up recently for not acting like the administrative head of the district. Her frequent presence in Hyderabad has raised eyebrows. For a posting that demands round-the-clock attention and presence, the absence is becoming too visible. While some brush it off as a phase, others believe it’s a pattern. Either way, the message from above is clear — a district can’t run on autopilot.
From Loopline to Lifeline — Disaster Management Gets Its Moment
Who would’ve thought disaster management would become one of the most watched portfolios in the state? When Arvind Kumar was handed the charge, many in the bureaucracy dismissed it as a loopline post — more ceremonial than central. But this year has flipped that perception. Floods gripped state. The SLBC tunnel collapse brought irrigation and emergency coordination to the spotlight. A full-scale mock drill was conducted — something the state hadn’t seen since 1971. And now, with the heatwave turning brutal, the government has stepped in to revise compensation norms. Suddenly, the so-called sleepy department is dealing with action. The murmurs in the Secretariat are hard to miss. Disaster management quickly becoming a command post. And some say Nature itself is giving signals — making it clear that this portfolio can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
Sajjanar Salutes Scribes Amidst Ceasefire Buzz
While the entire nation stood in solidarity with the Indian Army during the brief but intense cross-border tensions with Pakistan, one post on X (formerly Twitter) left journalists doing a double take — and smiling. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) Managing Director VC Sajjanar took a detour from the routine political drumbeat and surprised everyone by saluting not just the soldiers, but the journalists on the ground.In a post that’s now circulating widely among media circles, Sajjanar wrote, “A salute to the journalists on the ground—reporting with integrity, courage, and responsibility amidst chaos. Your commitment to truth and public service, often at great personal risk, keeps the nation informed. Thank you for doing what matters”. While everyone found fault with media, Sajjanar’s message was like a gust of fresh air in the smoke of war content. Someone from the bureaucracy had paused to recognise their high-risk hustle. Several Telugu journalists, braving the risks, had made it to the borders to capture the situation live — only to pack up and return after both India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire, thanks to some classic Trump-style diplomacy.
