Amaravati, May01:
A growing seniority dispute within Andhra Pradesh’s Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department has sparked intense debate, with two groups of officials locked in a battle over the coveted Additional Director post. The issue, which had been simmering for years, has resurfaced sharply following the retirement of senior officer Swarnalatha, who was holding the position in-charge until recently.
Also read https://goodmorningandhraonline.com/chalo-vijayawada-journalists-rally-assurances/
Vacancy Triggers Fresh Battle
At the heart of the conflict are Joint Directors (JDs) and the Chief Information Engineer (CI), both claiming eligibility for the post. With the position now vacant, the competition has turned into a high-stakes contest, dividing the department into two clear camps. Each side insists that rules, precedent, and fairness support their claim.
CI Banks on Seniority and Court Order
The Chief Information Engineer, Madhusudhan, argues that he is the senior-most officer and therefore deserves the promotion. He has also cited a court order in his favour, strengthening his case. According to him, a combined seniority list should be considered, which would place him ahead of others in line for the post.
Joint Directors Push Back
However, Joint Directors strongly oppose this proposal. They argue that preparing a common seniority list for two entirely different cadres—administrative and technical—is both unjustified and against established norms. Historically, the Additional Director post has been filled from within the Joint Director cadre, they point out. Any deviation now, they warn, would set an undesirable precedent.
Department Split into Two Camps
The dispute has already led to internal friction, with officials approaching higher authorities and submitting representations to the government. Some have even filed formal complaints, urging intervention to prevent what they see as a violation of service rules.
Also read https://mediarelations.ap.gov.in/#/home/index
Promotion Fears Among JDs
Adding to the tension is the timing. With two senior Joint Directors expected to retire soon, the next-in-line officer, Kasturi, fears that her promotion prospects could be directly impacted if the rules are altered. This has heightened concerns among JDs, who see the move as a threat to their career progression.
Rules and Past Government Orders
Joint Directors further argue that the Additional Director post was originally created by upgrading Joint Director positions, as per earlier government orders. Therefore, they insist that promotions must remain restricted to their cadre. Although the Chief Information Engineer role was briefly included as a feeder category in the past, that decision was later reversed through subsequent government orders.
Engineering Wing Voices Concern
On the other side, engineering wing officials present a different narrative. They claim that despite decades of service—often spanning over 30 years—they have received little to no promotional opportunities. Compared to Joint Directors, who have advanced through multiple promotions, engineering officials say they have been consistently overlooked.
Demand for Equal Opportunity
They also argue that the technical wing is often undervalued within the department. Citing examples from neighbouring Telangana, where a Chief Information Engineer rose to become Director, they question why similar opportunities should not exist in Andhra Pradesh. Many engineering officials are already serving effectively in key administrative roles across districts, they add.
Controversy Over Service Record
Further controversy surrounds Madhusudhan’s service record. Joint Directors allege that he spent a significant portion of his career on deputation, including extended periods without proper government ratification. They have demanded a thorough inquiry into these aspects, as well as into the creation of the Chief Information Engineer post itself.
Long-Pending Dispute
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced. During the previous YSRCP government, a proposal was made to resolve the matter by creating two Additional Director posts—one for Joint Directors and another for the engineering wing. While the idea temporarily eased tensions, it was never implemented.
All Eyes on Government Decision
Now, with the post vacant again, the conflict has reignited with renewed urgency. As both sides continue to press their claims, the spotlight is firmly on the state government. Its decision will not only determine who gets the post but could also shape promotion policies within the department for years to come.
