Telangana Government Fills Key SCCL Leadership Vacancy with IAS Officer Jyoti Buddha Prakash
In a significant administrative move, the Telangana government has appointed senior IAS officer Jyoti Buddha Prakash as the new chairman and managing director (CMD) of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). This decision ends a two-month vacancy in this crucial position, which had been unoccupied since the second week of December last year after the deputation term of the previous CMD, N Balaram, an IRS officer, concluded.
Strategic Appointment Amid Major Projects and Controversies
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for SCCL, as the company is actively diversifying beyond its traditional coal mining operations into power generation and renewable energy sectors. With pending decisions on several major projects, including green energy initiatives, thermal power expansion, and the contentious Naini coal blocks, the government's move to install a full-fledged CMD is seen as a step to accelerate progress and address operational challenges.
The Naini issue had previously sparked controversy, with deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka cancelling tenders last month, highlighting the need for stable leadership to navigate such complexities. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy is expected to convene a review meeting with SCCL officials shortly to assess the company's current operations and future strategic plans, underscoring the importance of this appointment in driving forward Telangana's energy and industrial policies.
Background and Experience of the New CMD
Jyoti Buddha Prakash, a 2002 batch IAS officer, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he served as the secretary of the SC development department and was also in charge of the planning department. His earlier assignments include key positions such as secretary of the housing department and commissioner of registration and stamps, demonstrating a strong track record in public administration and policy implementation.
Following Prakash's appointment, special chief secretary Sabyasachi Ghosh has been placed in charge of the SC development department while continuing to head tribal welfare, ensuring continuity in these critical areas.
Related Administrative Reshuffles and Appointments
In related administrative changes, the Telangana government has made several other key appointments to streamline governance and project execution:
- Sandeep Kumar Sultania, principal secretary (finance), has been given additional charge of the planning department and appointed as director general of the Telangana Remote Sensing Applications Centre.
- D Divya, CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), has been placed in full additional charge of commissioner of panchayat raj and rural development, relieving Shruti Ojha.
- P Katyayani Devi, additional CEO of SERP, has been posted as state nodal officer for Prajavani while continuing as joint MD of the Telangana Finance Corporation.
- U Raghuram Sharma, officer on special duty to IT, industries and legislative affairs minister D Sridhar Babu, has been transferred and posted as special secretary of the industries department, while continuing as OSD to the minister.
These changes reflect the government's broader efforts to optimize administrative efficiency and support SCCL's expansion into new energy domains, positioning Telangana for sustainable growth in the coming years.
