The Congress Government reportedly made a serious effort to appoint former bureaucrats and police officers to head the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) before settling on a former DGP of Telangana M Mahender Reddy (Retd IPS:1986:TG).
Initially, the government aimed to improve the Commission’s reputation, tarnished by the question paper leakage of Group I and II examinations, by appointing retired IAS or IPS officers with clean records. Former IAS officer Akunuri Murali (IAS:2006:TG) and former ADGP Dr. R. S. Praveen Kumar (IPS:1995:TG) were considered top contenders for the chairperson role.
While an offer was extended to Mr. Murali, it was discovered that he had exceeded the age limit of 62 years for TSPSC chairmanship. Dr. Praveen Kumar, who declined the offer citing his involvement in politics as President of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and a recent Assembly election candidate, was the next consideration.
Ultimately, the government recommended former DGP M. Mahender Reddy for the top post after vetting 371 applications, including 50 for the chief’s position, through a search committee. The file regarding his appointment is currently with the Governor’s office for approval.
Also Read: Telangana: Former DGP M Mahender Reddy recommended for TSPSC Chairmanship
