Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has once again given top preference to Backward Classes officers in the administration. For the first time in the united Andhra Pradesh also, BCs are being placed in key positions of governance.
The credit goes to Chandrababu Naidu for the first time appointing a BC officer K Vijayanand as Chief Secretary of the state, though several senior officials are in the queue for this key position. Vijayanand is 1992 Batch IAS officer. Though he was known for his proximity with former chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy and hails from YCP chief’s native district of Kadapa, in recognition of his competence, Chief Minister has chosen him ignoring claims of other resourceful officers.
Under Chandrababu’s leadership, BC leaders and officers have always received high respect. Government sources say that so far BCs have not been given the Chief Secretary post in either the united Andhra Pradesh or in the bifurcated state. For the first time, CM Chandrababu has given a BC officer the opportunity to be the Chief Secretary of the government.
Moreover, soon after taking oath as Chief Minister of the state for the fourth time, Chandrababu Naidu has appointed BC officers in two key positions. Senior IAS officer Shyamala Rao was appointed as Executive Officer at the most prestigious TTD. Later, he appointed Dwaraka Tirumala Rao as Director General of Police. These two BC officers are continuing in those positions presently.
Chandrababu has also given a suitable place to BCs in both the government and the party positions also. Similarly, BC leader Palla Srinivas is the state president of the Telugu Desam Party. Another senior BC leader Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu has been given the opportunity to be the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. In nominated positions also, BCs are being given top priority.
It may be recalled that previous Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has mostly appointed people from his social group to all key positions in the YSRCP government, including the CS, DGP and TTD EO. Even in the party and also key advisors also belong to his social group only.
