Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy calls for change in mindset of IAS officers
Hyderabad: On February 16, 2025, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed concern over some Collectors’ failure to engage with the public, stating that they no longer leave their air-conditioned rooms.
The Chief Minister was speaking at an event organized at the IAS Officers Association office, where he unveiled the book Life of a Karma Yogi, authored by retired IAS officer M. Gopalakrishna. During his address, Revanth Reddy highlighted the need for civil service officers to adopt a positive outlook and be more involved in solving the people’s problems. He pointed out that officers who focus on helping the poor are more likely to remain in the people’s hearts for a long time.
“In the past, IAS officers were always in close contact with the public, which made them more memorable to the people than political leaders,” said Revanth Reddy. “Collectors used to tour grassroots areas, which helped in finding solutions to problems. However, some Collectors today are no longer stepping out of their offices. The experience that Collectors and SPs gain at the district level is crucial.”
Revanth Reddy also called for a shift in the mindset of officers, stating that dedicated officers are always recognized for their work. He stressed that when political leaders make decisions, it is the responsibility of civil service officers to analyze and explain the details of those decisions. He further noted that some officers neglect their duty to explain business rules, which he said is detrimental to society.
The Chief Minister praised the work of officers like Shankaran, who served with great dedication, Seshan, known for his efforts in ensuring transparent elections, and Manmohan Singh, who led the country’s economic reforms. He said Gopalakrishna’s book, which reflects six decades of experience, would serve as an invaluable guide for civil servants, adding, “We can buy anything, but experience cannot be purchased.”
He further highlighted that Gopalakrishna has witnessed the country’s journey from the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru to the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, observing the shift from a closed to an open economy. Gopalakrishna, he said, is also capable of envisioning the future.
The event was attended by Government Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari, Association Vice-President and Special Chief Secretary of the Finance Department K. Ramakrishna Rao, along with several IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and other prominent individuals.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy made sharp remarks about civil servants while unveiling Life of a Karma Yogi – Memoir of a Civil Servant by retired IAS officer Gopalakrishna Naidu.
Reddy stated that officers hesitate to leave their air-conditioned offices, unlike in the… pic.twitter.com/c1ryPDeu9c
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) February 17, 2025
