The Andhra Pradesh government is likely to induct a young IAS officer into the Chief Minister’s Office amid uncertainty over the future role of retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary K Vijayanand, who currently serves as the officer in charge of the CMO, sources said.
According to sources, Vijayanand, who was brought into the CMO after his recent retirement, has reportedly been unable to attend office due to health issues. There is no clarity yet on how long he will remain on leave.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is now said to be considering the induction of a young IAS officer into his team to strengthen the functioning of the CMO.
At present, the Chief Minister’s Office includes Rajamouli, Karthikeya Misra, Pradyumna and Vijayanand. However, sources said changes are likely during the upcoming round of IAS transfers.
According to administrative circles, one of the existing officers may be shifted out and replaced by a serving collector from a key district.
The officer under consideration is believed to enjoy the confidence of the Chief Minister, who reportedly sees him as capable of ensuring faster implementation of the government’s priorities.
There is also speculation that an officer perceived to be close to former YSR Congress Party minister R K Roja may soon be moved out of the CMO as part of the proposed restructuring.
