After IAS officer tries to touch Telangana CM’s feet, directive issued to all govt officials

An act of an IAS officer from Telangana has turned controversial, probably leading to a directive being issued by the administration. A few days ago, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy along with other ministers and leaders of Congress, participated in the launch of ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam Scheme’. The programme was held in Nagarkurnool district in the state. Under the scheme, tribal farmers received free solar pumps for irrigation. The pilot project is expected to benefit more than 40 farmers.

 

During the event, IAS officer and principal secretary of tribal welfare department, A. Sharath, presented a memento to the CM and immediately bent down to touch his feet. However, it looked like the CM stopped him before he could do so. The video clip quickly went viral, with many criticising the action of the IAS officer.

 

A day later, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao issued two directives which did not name the particular officer but seemed to have been prompted by the development. “In recent times, several instances have come to the notice of the Government where All India Service officers are indulging in acts and gestures unbecoming of a Member of the Service in public meetings and gatherings,” read one of the memos issued to all the IAS, IPS and IFS officers of the state. It said that such acts “reflect poorly” and “impact the image of the service”.

 

The memo goes on to remind Rule 3 (1) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which stipulates that every officer maintains integrity and devotion to duty. “All India Services officers are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and decorum, both in their official capacity and in public interactions to uphold the trust and confidence of the public they serve,” said the memo. It warned the civil servants to refrain from indulging in such actions and if they do so, they will be liable for action.

 

Another similar directive was also sent to department heads to ensure that government officials in general toe the line and not repeat similar acts. A few years ago, former IAS officer and then Siddipet district collector P. Venkatarami Reddy touched the feet of then chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, kicking up a storm.  

India