The state government said that the decision to appoint Vijayanad was made in view of current Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad retiring from service on 31 December after attaining the age of superannuation.
Published Dec 30, 2024 | 8:44 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2024 | 8:44 AM
K Vijayanand.
The Andhra Pradesh government appointed K Vijayanand, a 1992 batch IAS officer, as its Chief Secretary on Sunday, 29 December, after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made his choice.
The state government said that the decision to appoint Vijayanad was made in view of current Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad retiring from service on 31 December after attaining the age of superannuation.
“Sri K. Vijayanand, IAS (1992), Special Chief Secretary to Government. Energy Department is hereby appointed as Chief Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh vice Sri Neerabh Kumar Prasad, IAS (1987), Chief Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh, retiring from service on attaining the age of superannuation on the afternoon of 31st December, 2024,” said the Government Order.
South First had earlier reported that Vijayanand held an advantage despite the presence of more senior candidates, largely because of his close association with Nara Lokesh, the Chief Minister’s son and the incumbent Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Human Resource Development.
Seven officers were in contention for the coveted Chief Secretary post. G Sai Prasad (1991 batch) and K Vijayanand (1992 batch) were the frontrunners.
The other five – Y Srilakshmi (1988), G Anantha Ramu (1990), Ajay Jain, Sumita Dawra, and RP Sisodia (all 1991 batch) – were considered but overlooked for various reasons.
Although Sai Prasad is senior, the critical factor that swung the decision in Vijayanand’s favour was the strong backing he has from Minister Nara Lokesh, who is widely regarded within the government and the party as the second-in-command.
According to sources, Vijayanand’s prior experience in heading both the Industries and Power departments was highlighted as a key factor supporting his elevation. He worked closely with Lokesh during the latter’s previous tenure as a minister between 2014 and 2019. Those advocating for Vijayanand also pointed out that, unlike Sai Prasad, he has spent his entire career in Andhra Pradesh.
Within the TDP, there was a faction not favourably disposed towards Sai Prasad, the current Special Chief Secretary (Water Resources).
Another important factor was that Vijayanand, the Special Chief Secretary (Energy), belongs to a Backward Class (BC) community. Appointing him is seen as a move that would send the right message, given that the BC community has been the backbone of the TDP since its formation.
