Upset Chandrasekhar Rao may overhaul state administration soon

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is reportedly upset with the functioning of the government machinery in the state in the wake of the Eamcet question paper leakage incident. The CM’s displeasure is likely to result in the complete overhaul of the state administration soon. Mr Rao is learnt to have given indications to this effect while reviewing the Eamcet question paper leakage with ministers and senior officials at his camp office on Friday.

The CM is learnt to have stated that the official machinery has become negligent in discharging duties effectively and this lethargic attitude has resulted in the Eamcet fiasco and the same state of affairs exist in some key departments like finance, medical and health, welfare etc., which need to be sorted out as early as possible. Mr Rao is yet to effect any major reshuffle of IAS officers during his two-year tenure. Minor reshuffling was done thrice.

Ministers Kadiam Srihari, C. Laxma Reddy, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and top officials from police and intelligence departments were present in the meeting. Mr Rao is learnt to have expressed anguish at the way the government machinery rolled for about half-an-hour soon after the meeting commenced. Officials sources said the CM found fault with some officials for taking things for granted and not remaining vigilant even while performing crucial and confidential duties.

The CM reportedly said, “Look at our neighbouring state AP, where IAS and IPS officers are transferred once every two or three months. I am against this because I want officers to settle down at least for two-three years and gain command over their respective departments. But unfortunately, some officials are not taking this in right spirit. Instead, some are taking things for granted, which is bringing a bad name to the government. I may have to rethink my policies.”

Mr Rao told them that though he gave officials utmost freedom in discharging their duties effectively, the desired results could not be achieved because officials did not make any effort to bring about a change in the new state of Telangana and were instead sticking to the same norms and policies adopted by governments in undivided AP, which was the root cause for all problems.

It is believed that Mr Rao would effect a major reshuffle of IAS officers soon to set right the things in some key departments and has asked Chief Secretary to prepare a report on the performance of officers.