metro india news  I hyderabad

The incumbent Chief Secretary, Shanti Kumari, is set to retire on April 7 and the corridors of power is already abuzz with hectic speculation as to who would helm the coveted position.

The appointment of a new Chief Secretary is not just an administrative decision but a politically significant move for the Congress government. Shanti Kumari, a 1989 batch IAS officer, was appointed as CS by the previous BRS government in January 2023. Despite speculations that she would be replaced after Congress came to power, she has held her position for over 14 months.

Several names are doing the rounds and each one has credentials and ample work behind them. Jayesh Ranjan (1992 batch) is currently the Special CS for IT and Industries shone at the recent Davos visit, which resulted in Rs 1.79 lakh crore worth of investments. His tenure is set to continue until September 2027, making him a strong candidate for the position.

K Ramakrishna Rao, (1991 batch) the Special CS (Finance) is associated with finance department for a long time. His retirement is due in August but on the grapevine- if appointed, his tenure may be extended by another six months. His case is strong as he played a crucial role in stabilizing the state’s financial condition.

Vikas Raj, another 1992 batch IAS officer, is currently handling the Transport and Roads and Buildings (R&B) department as its Special Chief Secretary and has been involved in key projects undertaken by the present government including the new Warangal Airport and the Regional Ring Road.

His temporary appointment as acting CS when Shanti Kumari was on leave has further fuelled discussions about his suitability for the role and Shashank Goyal, the most senior among the contenders as a 1990 batch officer, is currently serving as Director General of MCRHRD Institute has a year left before retirement and his name is reportedly under serious consideration by the government.

While each of the leading contenders has a strong portfolio, the choice will ultimately depend on who aligns best with the government’s priorities and vision for Telangana’s governance.