Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is on the lookout for a new Chief Secretary (CS) for the state as the current incumbent, Neerabh Kumar Prasad, a 1987 batch IAS officer, is all set to retire on December 31. The CM is believed to have started the process of selection, which has sparked speculation in the Secretariat about who will succeed Prasad as the new CS. Prasad was initially to retire on June 30, but his tenure was extended by six months until December.
Among the probable, the name of Y Sri Lakshmi, a 1988 batch IAS officer currently awaiting posting, is at the top of the list on the basis of her seniority. But due to the fact that she is facing the corruption charges and has been close to former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy may ruin her chances and lead Naidu to look for someone else for the top post. Next in line is G Anantha Ramu, a 1990 batch IAS officer, who is currently serving as Special Chief Secretary (Environment, Forest, Science and Technology). Sources suggest he may also not be the lucky one to be considered for the post.
Then there are four Special Chief Secretaries all belonging to 1991 batch – G Sai Prasad (Water Resources), Ajay Jain (Housing), Sumita Dawra (currently on deputation), and RP Sisodia (Revenue).
According to sources, Sai Prasad, a member of the Kamma community, is considered to be frontrunner for the coveted post. He has good amount of service left as well as he is due to retire in May 2026.
But there is a hitch too. Naidu might have to face criticism for appointing someone from his own community on such a key position. But sources say that caste will not be an obstacle for Sai Prasad, as he has proven his competence during his tenure as Principal Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office during 2014-19. Further, there is a general perception about Naidu that he considers efficiency as the only criterion for making appointments so Sai Prasad has bright chances.
The names of K Vijayanand, a 1992-batch IAS officer currently serving as Special Chief Secretary (Energy), and RP Sisodia, Special Chief Secretary (Revenue), are also being discussed in the corridors of power.
