This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding a retweet by Sabharwal on the Kancha Gachibowli land issue, which attracted political attention 

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a significant move ahead of the prestigious Miss World pageant scheduled to be held in Telangana in May , the state government has replaced senior IAS officer Smita Sabharwal (2001 batch) from the post of Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture (YAT&C) Department. Jayesh Ranjan, a senior IAS officer of the 1992 batch, has been given Full Additional Charge (FAC) of the post, alongside his new role as Special Chief Secretary & CEO, Industry & Investment Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office.

Smita Sabharwal has been transferred as Member Secretary, Telangana Finance Commission, a post she had earlier held before her appointment to the Tourism Department in November 2024. Her removal from the YAT&C Department, especially at a time when Hyderabad is preparing to host the globally acclaimed Miss World event, signals a major shift in the state’s administrative priorities.

This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding a retweet by Sabharwal on the Kancha Gachibowli land issue, which attracted political attention and led to a police probe. Her social media activity, seen as supportive of green activists opposing government actions at a local university site, reportedly did not sit well with the ruling Congress-led administration. Her transfer is being viewed as a strong message to bureaucrats about adherence to official conduct.

Alongside this high-profile change, several other key postings were made. E.V. Narsimha Reddy, Director of School Education, has been given the additional charge as Managing Director of Musi River Development Corporation Ltd, as the government pushes forward with its ambitious Musi River Front Rejuvenation Project.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) also got a new Commissioner, with R.V. Karnan (2012 batch) replacing Ilambarithi K. (2005 batch), who has now been posted as Secretary to Government, Metropolitan Area & Urban Development Department (HMDA limits).