The Telangana State Government today appointed Shekhar Prasad Singh (SP Singh) as new Chief Secretary of the State replacing incumbent Pradeep Chandra, whose term ended on December 31. SP Singh will serve the State as new chief secretary for one year, according to information.
The Centre’s refusal to extend Pradeep Chandra’s term for three months sought by the State government till Saturday late night, prompted Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to pick S P Singh for the top post. Earlier another senior official M G Gopal and a few other IAS officers vied for the plum post. A 1983 IAS officer, SP Singh served at the Centre in various capacities and in the State.
The State government issued orders appointing SP Singh as the new Chief Secretary besides appointing him to enjoy full additional charge of the post of Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) and also the Special Chief Secretary of PR and RD departments. KCR also appointed retired IPS officer A K Khan as Advisor on Minority Affairs of the State government and Arvind Kumar as Resident Commissioner of Telangana Bhavan in Delhi.
Outgoing Chief Secretary Pradeep Chandra served only for a month as the Centre did not give him extension. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao picked up SP Singh, who is the special chief secretary of Panchayat Raj department for some time now. Talking to mediapersons on the occasion, SP Singh said he would try his best to transform the State into Bangaru Telangana to meet KCR’s expectations. The Chief Minister wants development of all sectors. (NSS)