Amaravati: Sudden transfer of ex-CS creates ripples among official circles

Amaravati: Abrupt transfer of former Chief Secretary L V Subrahmanyam continued to be the hot topic for discussion among top bureaucrats at the AP Secretariat at Velagapudi.

Some of them are yet to digest the fact that the transfer happened.

Though Subrahmanyam handed over the charge to CCLA Neerabh Kumar Prasad on Wednesday, the reason for his transfer still remained a secret. Even the senior-most IAS officers were unable to understand the sudden development at the Secretariat.

A senior IAS officer told The Hans India on condition of anonymity, "It is not like any other transfer in the State government. It must be seen in a different manner."

He points out that after the formation of the new government, the new Chief Minister had effected transfers of IAS, IFS and IPS officials and it is a common phenomenon whenever a government changes. The new government provides postings to officers as per its policies. However, the sudden transfer of the Chief Secretary after continuing him for five months came as a big surprise, he said.

Another officer observed, "It is a serious warning to all the bureaucrats in the State. Nothing can be taken for granted."

Describing the nature of the Chief Minister, a senior IAS officer explained that the issuing of show-cause notice to a Principal Secretary alone might not be the only reason behind the transfer. There might be more reasons. "Jagan is not a leader who reacts on small issues," the officer added.

The show-cause notice to the Principal Secretary might be the triggering point for the transfer, but there might have been difference of opinion on various issues between the ex-Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister, he felt.

Before this development, Principal Secretary Praveen Prakash amended the Business Rules 2018 through a Government Order and several top bureaucrats were taken aback by the move. Within a period of two weeks, the bureaucrats were in for another big surprise with the sudden transfer of the top-most official in the government.

Meanwhile, after handing over the charge to Neerabh Kumar, former Chief Secretary L V Subrahmanyam has taken one month leave - between November 6 and December 6.

According to sources at the Chief Minister's office, senior IAS Officer Nilam Sawhney, who is currently in Central service is likely to be appointed as new CS.