Hyderabad, October 14 – In a significant legal move, four Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from Telangana have filed a petition with the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), contesting the recent decision by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to allocate them to the Andhra Pradesh cadre. This challenge raises important questions about administrative rights and cadre management in the wake of the bifurcation of the two states in 2014.
Recently, the DoPT denied a request from 11 IAS officers to remain in the Telangana cadre. Among those affected were Telangana IAS officers Vani Prasad, Vakati Karuna, Ronald Rose, Amrapali, and Prashanthi, who were already serving in the state.
Meanwhile, Anjani Kumar, Abhilash Bist, and Abhishek Mahanthi from the IPS cadre have been
reassigned to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
On January 3, 2024, the Telangana High Court ruled that the cases of All India Services (AIS) officers must be reconsidered for final allocation based on the guidelines established from the
recommendations of the Pratyush Sinha committee concerning both states.
Background of the Dispute
The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in June 2014 resulted in the reallocation of
resources, assets, and personnel between the two states. The IAS officers in question—Vakati
Karuna, Vani Prasad, Amrapali Kata, and Srijana Gummalla—assert that their allocation to the Andhra Pradesh cadre undermines their rights and the administrative framework established post bifurcation.
The officers argue that the allocation process has been marred by discrepancies and does not take into account their seniority and contributions within the Telangana state framework. They contend that being assigned to a cadre outside their home state disrupts their careers and limits their opportunities for growth and effective governance.
Legal Grounds for the Petition
The petition, filed on October 14, outlines several key grievances. Firstly, the officers claim that the DoPT’s decision violates the principles of natural justice by failing to consider their inputs or concerns during the allocation process. They are calling for a review of the criteria used to allocate officers to different cadres, arguing that the process lacks transparency.
Furthermore, the officers argue that the allocation has implications beyond personal career
trajectories. They emphasize that effective governance relies on continuity and familiarity with local issues, and being moved to a different cadre hampers their ability to serve the public effectively.
Implications for Administrative Governance
This legal challenge comes at a crucial time for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The governance of these states has been under scrutiny, and the efficiency of the IAS officers plays a pivotal role in the implementation of policies and programs that affect millions of citizens.
The outcome of this petition could set a precedent for how cadre allocations are handled in the
future, particularly for officers who were affected by the bifurcation. Legal experts believe that the
ruling may lead to a reassessment of cadre management policies, potentially influencing not just IAS officers but also other civil services in the region.
Responses from Officials
In response to the petition, officials from the DoPT have maintained that the allocation process was conducted in accordance with established protocols. They argue that the need for balanced cadre distribution is essential for maintaining effective governance across both states.
However, the officers’ legal counsel has indicated that they are prepared to contest the validity of
these protocols in court, emphasizing that adherence to procedure does not absolve the need for
fairness and equity.
The Way Forward
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Central Administrative Tribunal. The tribunal’s decision will not only affect the careers of the four officers involved but also potentially reshape the landscape of IAS postings in the region.
Moreover, this legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between the two states, stemming from unresolved issues related to the bifurcation. Observers are keen to see how this case might influence future policies regarding administrative service allocations and inter-state relations.
Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
Vani Prasad, Amrapali Katta, Vakati Karuna, Vani Prasad, Ronald Ross, Prashanti and IPS officers
Anjani Kumar, Abhilesh Bisht and Abhishek Mohanti were asked to report to AP by the DoPT.
Similarly, Srijana, Shivshankar and Harikiran, working in the neighbouring state were asked to come back to the TG cadre. NTR District Collector Srijana filed a separate petition before the CAT urging that she be allowed to continue in AP. The CAT is expected to hear the petitions on Tuesday.
Earlier, the DoPT rejected the requests of a couple of AIS and IPS officials working in Telangana and directed them to report to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The DoPT cited the existing rules and precedents for rejecting their request. The officers who knocked on the doors of the CAT have reportedly cited several reasons seeking that they should be placed under the Telangana cadre.
