Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has focused his attention on effective implementation of the spree of welfare schemes launched in keeping with the Congress manifesto of the previous elections. The repatriation of senior bureaucrat Sanjay Jaju to the Telangana cadre is seen as a step in this direction.

Mr. Jaju in all likelihood will take over as the Chief Secretary early next month as the incumbent K. Ramakrishna Rao will retire on June 30 after completion of two extensions of seven and three months respectively.

Not associated with BRS

The Chief Minister, it is learnt, preferred a senior and experienced officer not associated with the previous BRS Government at any point of time to take up the top job ahead of the crucial elections in 2028/29. Mr. Jaju, with his vast experience in the State and central services, is seen as the best choice for the post.

Three officers of 1992 batch

Though senior officers Jayesh Ranjan and Vikas Raj belong to the same 1992 batch, the Chief Minister reportedly preferred Mr. Jaju in view of his retirement at the end of February 2029. Mr. Jayesh Ranjan will retire at the end of September next year and Mr. Vikas Raj will attain the age of superannuation in by the end of February 2028.

If either Mr. Jayesh Ranjan or Mr. Vikas Raj are to be appointed as the Chief Secretary, the government will be forced to scout for a suitable officer to the top post after their retirement, at a time when it will be busy finalising strategies for the campaign and other issues relating to the next elections due before 2028 end. Coupled with this is the possibility of the new officer taking some time to adjust himself for the top job. The government can ill afford to lose time at the crucial moment when the elections will be round the corner.

It was accordingly decided to seek repatriation of Mr. Jaju so that there will be continuity in administration during the crucial election time. A non controversial officer, Mr. Jaju is also credited with several achievements in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh like launch of Mee Seva before he shifted to central services.

Over 15 years of Union Government service

Mr. Jaju earned good reputation as an achiever during his stint with the Central Government as he is credited with conceiving and setting up online services of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. He also worked as Additional Secretary in the Defence production wing and Secretary of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry before being designated as Secretary in the Ministry of North East region development. His more than decade and a half Union Government service could be utilised in the negotiations with the Central Government departments as and when needed for securing speedy clearances for the projects crucial to the State.