Secret WhatsApp group of IAS officers sparks unrest in Telangana Secretariat

An exclusive WhatsApp group formed by senior IAS officers in Telangana has triggered unease in the Secretariat. The group, comprising officers in key positions including from the Chief Minister’s Office, is reportedly influencing file movement, approvals, and fund releases, sidelining other officials.

Hyderabad: A clear split appears to be emerging among senior IAS officers holding key positions in different departments in the State.

Reflecting the state of affairs in the administration, a few officers have reportedly formed an exclusive WhatsApp group to discuss internal matters.

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There is an increasing buzz in the Secretariat corridors that these officers are influencing movement of files, granting approvals and other administrative processes, based on discussions in this closed group.

While it has always been common for a couple of like-minded officers to hold closed-door interactions on government policies or targets, the notable feature of this WhatsApp group is that only those occupying crucial posts, including in the Chief Minister’s Office and in departments headed by senior Ministers, are part of the circle.

With mounting financial constraints, and with pressure to clear specific files pushed by politicians and aides of Ministers, especially those related to release of funds, this coterie is said to be using the group to communicate such matters. After arriving at a consensus on a file, decision or release of funds, they allegedly keep other officers and subordinates in the dark.

There are also indications that officers have split on regional and seniority lines. While the members of this core group are predominantly from the North, the remaining officers are from other regions, including the Telugu cadre.

This perceived discrimination has not gone down well with senior officers from various departments who have been excluded from important decision-making and policy discussions.

It is an open secret that a cold war is brewing between a few Ministers and some IAS officers. Decisions taken by certain senior officers while sidelining files sent by Ministers have become a topic of discussion among staff in different departments.