Sanjay Jaju’s repatriation reflects Telangana Govt’s focus on effective delivery of welfare schemes ahead of next elections

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

Mr. Jaju is likely to take over as Principal Secretary early next month as incumbent K. Ramakrishna Rao will retire on June 30 after completion of two extensions of seven and three months respectively.

(From right) Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy | Photo Credit: BY EDITION

Not associated with BRS

The Prime Minister is understood to have preferred a senior and experienced civil servant who was not connected to the previous BRS Government at any time to assume the senior role ahead of the crucial elections in 2028/29. Mr. Jaju is considered the best choice for the post with his vast experience in State and central services.

Three officers of the 1992 batch

Although senior officers Jayesh Ranjan and Vikas Raj belong to the same 1992 batch, the Chief Minister has reportedly preferred Mr. Jaju due to his retirement at the end of February 2029. Mr. Jayesh Ranjan will retire by the end of September next year and Mr. Vikas Raj will also reach the retirement age by the end of February 2028.

HYDERABAD, TELANGANA, 16/03/2022: Vikas Raj, senior IAS officer of 1992 batch, has been appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer of the State. Photo: Special Editing / The Hindu | Photo Credit: SPECIAL EDITING

If either Mr. Jayesh Ranjan or Mr. Vikas Raj is to be appointed as the Chief Secretary, the government will have to find a suitable civil servant for the top post after retirement, at a time when the government will be busy finalizing campaign strategies and other matters related to the next elections before the end of 2028. Additionally, there is the possibility that the new officer will take some time to familiarize himself with the top job. The government cannot afford to waste time at this critical moment when elections are approaching.

IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV

Therefore, it was decided to repatriate Mr. Jaju to ensure continuity in governance during the critical election period. A non-controversial army officer, Mr. Jaju is also credited with various achievements in erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh, such as starting Mee Seva before moving to central services.

Sanjay Jaju, while MCH Commissioner, was responding to questions at the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation General Body meeting in Hyderabad on May 26, 2005. | Photo Credit: SIVAKUMAR PV

More than 15 years of Union Government service

Mr. Jaju earned a good reputation as an achiever during his tenure in the Central Government as he was credited with designing and setting up the online services of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. He also worked as Additional Secretary in the Defense production wing and Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before being appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of development of the North East region. His over fifteen years of service to the Union Government can be used whenever necessary in negotiations with Central Government departments to ensure expeditious clearances for projects of vital importance to the State.