By Telangana is being severely affected by a shortage of civil servants. This issue has been ongoing since the time of state bifurcation, with a significant shortage of IAS and IPS officers. The current situation is so dire that even retired officers are being asked to continue, which shows how critical the situation is. Why does the state have this problem? What did the previous BRS government do about the civil servant shortage? And what is the current Congress government planning to do?
What is Revanth Sarkar’s plan of action to address the shortage of civil servants? Suspense over the decision regarding IAS officers…
As Telangana continues to face a shortage of civil servants, the central government’s order to relieve several officers to Andhra Pradesh has become a hot topic. Despite the state’s ongoing struggle, with even retired officers being retained due to lack of staff, the central decision has shocked the state government. Telangana, caught between the civil servants and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), had been repeatedly requesting the center to address this shortage. However, orders to release some officers have sparked widespread discussion.
Even after 10 years since its formation, Telangana still suffers from a shortage of civil servants. During the state bifurcation, only 208 IAS officers and 119 IPS officers were allocated to Telangana. This has led to existing IAS officers shouldering additional responsibilities or non-IAS officers being used to fill gaps. Many senior IAS officers in key government departments are managing two or three portfolios, leaving them with little time for their own teams.
The need for more IAS and IPS officers intensified after the state’s reorganization, where districts were increased from 10 to 33. Though these new districts are smaller, civil servants are responsible for ensuring smooth administration, development, and welfare programs. The previous BRS government had repeatedly urged the central government to increase the civil servants’ strength.
Former Chief Minister KCR made several requests to the central government, including Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to increase the strength of IPS officers to 195. However, no results were achieved.
Now, the central government’s order for Andhra Pradesh cadre officers currently working in Telangana to return to their home state has caused a headache for the Telangana government. The government is now trying to figure out replacements for these IAS officers.
Suspense over the decision of IAS officers to return to Andhra Pradesh:
Four IAS officers from Telangana, including Amrapali, Vakati Karuna, Vaniprasad, and Ronald Ross, are required to return to Andhra Pradesh. They approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), but it ruled against them, ordering them to report to Andhra Pradesh today. It remains to be seen whether they will comply.
Meanwhile, IAS officers Srujana, Harikiran, and Shivashankar, who need to be relieved from Andhra Pradesh, plan to file petitions in the High Court today. The IAS officers’ lawyers argue that the CAT didn’t grant interim relief, and the DoPT’s order isn’t final, so they have the right to appeal in court. All eyes are now on the High Court’s decision.
