TELUGU BABUS SEE A T-ROUTE HOME

Besides political parties, there is another section waiting anxiously for the Centre’s decision on the division of the state — Telugu bureaucrats working in other state cadres.

If the state is divided, additional posts will be created at the higher levels of administration. Telugu officers are hoping to shift base to either of the newly formed states.

Bureaucrats, particularly those who are close to centres of power, have been receiving calls from their colleagues on the actual status of the contentious bifurcation issue.

“There will be at least 40-50 per cent additional posts needed to run the departments in both the states. The Centre would raise the intake at junior level and may invite Telugu officers working in other states to join at senior levels,” official sources said.

In the state, there are about 800 All India Services officers (IAS, IPS and IFS) of whom 30 per cent are of AP origin.

Hyderabad: Currently, there is a shortage of officers. At least 10 per cent are on Central deputation, foreign assignments or study leave.

During division, officers will be asked to state their preference. “Chances of a majority of officers prefer- ring to stay in Hyderabad are high,” a senior official said. If the adjustment of cadre becomes difficult, the Centre will act according to a formula in which Telugu officers working in the AP cadre will be adjusted as per their place of origin.