G Sai Prasad Assumes Role as Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary
In a significant administrative development, G Sai Prasad, a distinguished 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is set to take charge as the new chief secretary of Andhra Pradesh, effective Saturday. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in the state's governance, with Sai Prasad bringing a wealth of experience from his long and varied career in public service.
Background and Career Trajectory
Currently serving as the special chief secretary for both the water resources department and the revenue department, Sai Prasad has also been acting as an ex officio special chief secretary to the chief minister. The state government officially confirmed his elevation to the top bureaucratic position last November, while extending the tenure of the incumbent chief secretary, K Vijayanand, until February to ensure a smooth transition.
Hailing from Prakasam district, Sai Prasad is the son of a school teacher, underscoring his humble beginnings. He embarked on his administrative journey as an assistant collector in Warangal during 1992-93, laying the foundation for a career marked by diverse roles and responsibilities.
Key Postings and Contributions
Over the years, Sai Prasad has held numerous critical positions across various sectors. His early postings included serving as assistant collector in Paderu, commissioner of the Guntur Municipal Corporation, joint collector of Kadapa, and collector of Kurnool and Chittoor districts. These roles provided him with deep insights into grassroots administration and public welfare.
In the power sector, he made substantial contributions by serving as joint managing director of AP Transco, chairman and managing director (CMD) of both the AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) and the AP Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL), and vice-chairman of the AP Housing Board. His expertise was further recognized at the national level when he worked as joint secretary in the Union ministry of power from 2011 to 2014.
Roles in State Governance
From 2014 to 2019, Sai Prasad served as secretary and principal secretary to the chief minister, playing a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation. During the YSRCP regime, he held key positions such as CMD of the AP Solar Power Corporation, CMD of AP Genco, and ex officio principal secretary (energy) for two years, driving initiatives in renewable energy and power management.
Subsequently, he spearheaded reforms in the revenue wing during his tenure as chief commissioner of land administration (CCLA) and special secretary of revenue for over two years, enhancing transparency and efficiency in land and revenue matters. Following a regime change, he was reassigned to the water resources department as special chief secretary and given additional charge as revenue special chief secretary, demonstrating his versatility and trust within the administration.
Implications for Andhra Pradesh
With his extensive background in critical sectors like water resources, revenue, and energy, Sai Prasad's appointment as chief secretary is expected to bring stability and strategic direction to Andhra Pradesh's governance. His experience in both state and central roles positions him well to address complex administrative challenges and foster development in the region.
This transition underscores the state's commitment to leveraging seasoned bureaucrats for effective public service delivery, setting a precedent for future administrative appointments.
