Neerabh Kumar Prasad, a seasoned 1987 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, assumed the role of Andhra Pradesh’s chief secretary on Friday. His appointment comes following the departure of KS Jawahar Reddy, who went on leave after meeting with Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, set to assume office as the next chief minister on June 12.
Prasad, previously serving as the special chief secretary overseeing environment, forest, science & technology departments, expressed gratitude to Chandrababu Naidu for the opportunity and pledged to prioritize the implementation of the new government’s development and welfare initiatives.
In a parallel move, the state government transferred three other senior IAS officers, Poonam Malakondaiah, R Muthyala Raju, and Narayan Bharat Gupta, who held significant roles in the outgoing YS Jagan Mohan Reddy administration. These officials have been reassigned to the general administration department.
The government’s decision not to relieve bureaucrats and top police officials who served during the previous regime reflects a continuity approach, pending Naidu’s assessment upon assuming office. Several officials who sought relief or inter-state transfers had their requests denied, with instructions to remain in their current roles until further notice.
Additionally, the government initiated inquiries into alleged instances of omission and commission by top bureaucrats during the previous administration, deferring decisions on granting leave pending investigation outcomes.
Further streamlining its administrative structure, the government ordered the removal of advisors appointed by the previous regime across various sectors. Some advisors, including Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Devulapalli Amar, GVD Krishna Mohan, and Ajay Kallam, resigned following the YSRCP’s electoral defeat.
Additionally, resignations were tendered by officials such as Hemachandra Reddy, Bhumana Karunakara Reddy, Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, Yarram Reddy Nagi Reddy, and Dushyant Reddy, signifying a transition phase in the state’s administrative landscape.
Sources By Agencies
