Tirupati: Plans to fill up the TTD financial adviser and chief accounts officer (FACAO) post appear to have raked up controversies with the TTD and among social activists from Tirupati.
The post, it is believed, needs to be filled with IRS officer on deputation. It is, however, rumoured that the Additional Financial Advisor and Accounts Officer would be promoted to occupy the post which is against the service rules.
The committee has almost approved the promotion of Additional Financial Advis-or and Accounts Officer O. Balaji as FACAO. The post has been lying vacant for over five years. Some officials from the TTD played a role in the appointment.
Social activists who have fought against the TTD officials on many prominent issues now raise their voice against the promotion of Mr Balaji.
Activists Mangati Gopal Reddy said, “Mr Balaji appointment to the TTD post was with lobbying. To join the TTD as an accounts officer one should have at least worked in a government organisation. Mr Balaji has only worked with private firms and entered the TTD. His appointment itself is manipulated. An IRS officer should be appointed as FACAO for any government institution that deals with more than '2,000 crore.”
He added, “Following the lobbying by Mr Balaji, the principle secretary (revenue endowments) created the post of Additional FACAO for him in the past. If any employee approaches the court, his appointment will be stopped. There is some provision of promoting Additional FACAO to FACAO after five years of experience. But, it is not applicable in the TTD”
An official on condition of anonymity said, “There is no manipulation in promoting Mr Balaji as FACAO. He is eligible for that as he has worked for five years as additional FACAO. It seems some sections are intentionally targeting him. He is one of the efficient officers in TTD.”
