Row erupts over appointment of Additional CEO in Telangana

A controversy has erupted in the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer's office over the appointment of a non-cadre officer as Additional Chief Electoral Officer. Allegations have been made that the prescribed procedure was not followed, with only one name reportedly sent to the Election Commission of India instead of the mandatory panel of three.

Hyderabad: All appears to be not well in the Telangana Chief Electoral Office as the appointment of a non-cadre officer as Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on October 7 triggered a controversy, with allegations that due process was not followed.

According to General Administration Department (GAD) rules, three names have to be proposed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the Additional CEO post, with the approval of the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s Office.

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However, allegations have emerged that only one name was sent to the ECI instead of three, without obtaining the State government’s consent. This has triggered a row, as an IAS officer is already serving as Additional CEO.

On December 28, 2024, the State government issued orders extending the tenure of seven posts in the Telangana CEO’s office by three years, until 2027. These included the Additional CEO, Joint/Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Assistant Secretary, three Assistant Section Officers and a Store Supervisor.

The government may approve additional posts in cases of heavy workload or other urgent requirements. Such posts are created during Assembly or Lok Sabha elections to oversee election-related duties. Further, the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has also reached its final stage.

Against this backdrop, the appointment of another non-cadre officer as Additional CEO, despite an IAS officer already holding the position, has raised questions.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C Sudharsan Reddy said due process was followed and the rules were adhered to while appointing the Additional CEO.