Neerabh Prasad Appointed New Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh
Neerabh Kumar Prasad has assumed the role of Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, succeeding KS Jawahar Reddy, who took leave following the change in state leadership.
Prasad, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1987 batch, was serving as Special Chief Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Science & Technology. The official order appointing him as Chief Secretary was issued on Friday, the day after Jawahar Reddy proceeded on leave for 'personal grounds'.
The decision to transfer Jawahar Reddy, without assigning him a new posting, comes amidst criticism from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for allegedly favoring the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) during the elections. The TDP had urged the Election Commission of India to transfer Jawahar Reddy for his purported controversial actions post the Model Code of Conduct implementation.
With Chandrababu Naidu poised to assume office as Chief Minister on June 12, the appointment of a new Chief Secretary was deemed imperative. Jawahar Reddy's recent meeting with Naidu resulted in indications that his leave would facilitate the appointment of a new Chief Secretary under the new government's preference.
Jawahar Reddy, who assumed office in December 2022, is scheduled to retire on June 30. The incoming government is expected to make structural changes, potentially reassigning IAS and IPS officers who were perceived to have acted against the TDP's interests over the past five years.
The developments highlight the transition underway in Andhra Pradesh's administrative landscape as a new government prepares to take charge. With Prasad's appointment, expectations are high for a renewed direction in governance, aligning with the priorities of the incoming administration.
Chandrababu Naidu's reported decision to withhold appointments for certain officials underscores the anticipated overhaul in administrative appointments, signaling a fresh start under the new leadership.
As the state undergoes this administrative transition, stakeholders await further announcements and appointments, anticipating the trajectory of governance under the new Chief Minister and his team.
