VRS, long leave, central deputation: Telangana bureaucrats explore exit routes

Growing concerns over political interference and the possibility of future inquiries into decisions taken under pressure are reportedly causing anxiety among senior IAS and IPS officers in Telangana. With administrative autonomy perceived to be shrinking and pressure mounting to clear contentious proposals, several officers are said to be exploring options such as central deputation, extended leave, corporate opportunities and voluntary retirement.

Hyderabad: Amid the growing political interference in administrative matters, the fear of being held accountable for decisions taken under political pressure seems to have made several senior IAS and IPS officers reluctant to continue in their current positions.

Many officers appear to be caught in a difficult situation. Clearing files under political influence could expose them to inquiries in the future. Refusing to clear them, however, could invite the displeasure of those currently in power.

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The lack of resources, particularly financial support from the government, coupled with pressure to deliver results, is also pushing several officers to explore other options. These include taking extended leave, seeking deputation to central services, moving to corporate jobs and opting for a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). The decision of Principal Secretary S A M Rizvi last year to opt for VRS and Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan‘s plans to seek VRS have brought the issue into focus.

Some officers appear to be playing it safe by delaying file clearances to buy time and avoid political pressure. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has openly acknowledged on several occasions that senior officials were holding up files by raising various queries.

The Congress government has also initiated a series of inquiries into decisions taken during the previous BRS administration. Officials involved in those decisions are being examined as part of the investigations. This has increased anxiety within the bureaucracy. Officers fear that decisions taken today could lead to trouble in the future. They are concerned that a change in government could expose them to the consequences of decisions made under political pressure.

Consequently, there is a buzz in the Secretariat corridors that some bureaucrats would rather leave Telangana than continue working under the prevailing conditions.

Anxiety among officials over inquiries

Since coming to power, the Congress government has initiated inquiries into several major issues linked to the previous BRS administration. These include the Kaleshwaram project, power purchase agreements, the Formula E race, the Outer Ring Road (ORR) lease and the Dharani land portal.

The government’s recent decision to constitute a committee of four IAS officers to investigate land holdings linked to BRS leaders, their family members and associates has also triggered considerable discussion in official circles. It is reported that a senior officer has proceeded on leave, citing an inability to work with a committee allegedly formed out of political vendetta.

Similar pressures persist

There is widespread speculation that senior officials are facing pressure to act against established rules. This reportedly includes granting clearances for land deals and bypassing prescribed procedures for the payment of contractors’ bills. Apart from pressure from elected representatives, bureaucrats are also struggling with the influence of relatives and family members of political leaders.

There are also allegations that political heavyweights are demanding approvals even when regulations prevent them. Officials are reportedly being pressured to push through certain surveys and proposals despite their failure to meet established norms.

Waiting for the next year and a half

Against this backdrop, a few bureaucrats are understood to have adopted an unofficial pen-down approach. They have reportedly decided to follow rules and regulations strictly, regardless of the pressure they face. Their strategy is to avoid direct confrontation with the top political leadership while buying time through deliberate delays.

Some bureaucrats believe that if they can get through the next year or year and a half, the political situation could change, potentially giving them greater administrative autonomy.

Looking towards central services

Unable to cope with the constant mental strain, several senior bureaucrats and IPS officers are reportedly exploring ways to leave the State. They have expressed deep distress, saying they have never witnessed such a difficult situation, even during the undivided State.

Many IAS and IPS officers are understood to have already applied for positions in central or other external services. Other senior officials are making concerted efforts to secure deputation to central government services. There is also speculation that a few Telangana-cadre officers are using their connections in New Delhi to seek inter-cadre deputations to their home States.

In addition to a few IAS officers, three senior IPS officers are actively seeking transfers to central services. It is also believed that three senior IAS officers have already proceeded on extended leave without prior notice.