Vijayanand made AP’s new Chief Secretary

In a significant administrative move, the Andhra Pradesh government has appointed K Vijayanand, IAS (1992), as the new Chief Secretary of the State. Vijayanand, who currently serves as the Special Chief Secretary in the Energy Department, will take over from Neerabh Kumar Prasad, IAS (1987), who is set to retire on December 31, 2024, upon reaching the age of superannuation. Orders to this effect were issued by S Suresh Kumar, Secretary to the Government, late on Sunday night.
Upon his appointment, Vijayanand met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Secretary. He also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister for IT & Electronics Nara Lokesh, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, and other Cabinet ministers for their support and guidance.
Vijayanand assured that he would strive to implement the Chief Minister’s vision of inclusive growth and development, with a focus on the backward regions and weaker sections of society. He also acknowledged his predecessor Neerabh Kumar Prasad’s dedication to the State’s developmental efforts.
Vijayanand has held several key positions in the State, including Chairman and Managing Director of APTRANSCO and Chairman of APGENCO.
His leadership in the energy sector has been marked by swift resolutions to power-related issues, both within Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring southern states. As Special Chief Secretary, he was instrumental in formulating the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024, aimed at transforming the state into a global clean energy hub by adding over 160 GW of renewable energy capacity.
Vijayanand’s expertise in the power sector spans over 14 years, during which he played a pivotal role in enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s energy infrastructure. Notable projects under his leadership include the commissioning of several thermal and hydroelectric plants, such as the 2X250 MW units at Kothagudem, the 500 MW unit at Bhupalpalli, and the 800 MW solar plants at Thalari Cheruvu and Anantapur. He also oversaw the establishment of robust infrastructure for APTRANSCO and APGENCO at Vidyut Soudha in Vijayawada, a first in the post-bifurcation period.
In addition to his energy sector contributions, Vijayanand served as Principal Secretary for IT & Electronics from 2016 to 2019, playing a key role in attracting IT and electronics industries to the state. His tenure saw companies like HCL and TCL set up operations in Vizag, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.
Vijayanand’s experience also extends to electoral administration, having served as the Chief Electoral Officer & Ex-Officio Principal Secretary from 2019 to 2021, overseeing crucial electoral processes in the state.
Beginning his administrative career in 1993 as Assistant Collector of Adilabad, Vijayanand has served in various roles, including District Collector for Srikakulam and Nalgonda, and as State Project Director for Planning and Program Implementation. His diverse experience makes him a key figure in the continued governance and development of Andhra Pradesh.