Hyderabad: The Telangana govt has begun the process of identifying a new chief secretary (CS), as K Ramakrishna Rao is set to retire on Mar 31. Chief minister Revanth Reddy is expected to take a decision by the end of the month and send the proposal to the Centre for approval.Though 10 special CS-rank officers are available, the state govt may shortlist three to four officers for the coveted post who can deliver on both administration and resource mobilisation. Ramakrishna Rao, who retired in Aug last year, was given a seven-month extension at the request of the state govt and is unlikely to receive any further extension.Sources in the govt said three officers are frontrunners for the next CS post. Of the two 1992-batch officers and special chief secretaries, Jayesh Ranjan and Vikas Raj, one is likely to be chosen for the post. While Jayesh Ranjan is serving as special CS for municipal administration, Vikas Raj is with the Transport, Roads and Buildings Department. Jayesh Ranjan worked closely with the CMO on various issues, especially industries, investments and special projects, even after Revanth Reddy became CM. Sources in the CMO said the CM is unhappy with some IAS officers, including certain district collectors, who are not meeting the expectations of the govt and are not effectively implementing govt schemes. He reportedly commented on ‘administrative’ failures even at the secretary level and is looking for a tough officer, as the govt is getting a bad name because of them.The 1990-batch special CS Shashank Goel is the most senior among the state IAS officers presently serving in the Telangana govt and is currently in Delhi. Though he is senior, the state govt did not consider him for the CS’s post earlier, before appointing Santhi Kumari and K Ramakrishna Rao. Goel, who is retiring in Sept this year, may also be considered, given his seniority.The present CS’s batchmate and 1991-batch special CS Arvind Kumar is also due to retire in Oct this year. Since he is facing allegations in the Formula E race case, his chances are considered slim. Another special CS and 1992-batch officer, Sanjay Jaju, was on central deputation for several years and is currently working with the Information and Broadcasting minister; he is unlikely to return to the state.Other special chief secretaries include Sabyasachi Ghosh (1994 batch), Sanjay Kumar and Benhur Mahesh Dutt Ekka (both 1995 batch), and Navin Mittal and Dana Kishore (both 1996 batch). Among them, Navin Mittal has nearly eight years of service remaining. Arvind Kumar and Dana Kishore are retiring this year.Meanwhile, the present CS’s services are likely to be utilised as adviser to the govt, especially for mobilising funds for welfare schemes and managing finances. However, govt fears this could lead to a friction with the finance department.
