Former CS Somesh Kumar applies for VRS, unable to find 'suitable post' in Andhra

Amaravati: A month after he was shifted to Andhra Pradesh, former Telangana Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar applied for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). This comes on the heels of his meeting with AP CM Jagan and his Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy. A top source confirmed to NewsMeter, that a decision on Somesh Kumar's approval is expected in the coming week and his appeal for VRS is likely to be considered and a GO will be issued soon.

Somesh Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer hailing from Bihar, was at loggerheads with DoPT after he was allotted Andhra Pradesh cadre when the state was bifurcated.

Though he got a stay from CAT in March 2016, Telangana high court quashed the order. Later DoPT asked him to report to Andhra Pradesh. After he arrived in Tadepalli, he met Jagan and Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy. However, sources said, Kumar had made up his mind for VRS. Sources said he requested AP CM for a smooth transition.

"Being an EX-CS, he was uncomfortable serving under his juniors in Andhra Pradesh. Since KCR is at loggerheads with BJP and considering his closeness with him, he knew that he will not get any relaxation from the DoPT. As per updated norms, a state government can accept VRS without the center’s clearance. So, he has come to AP just to meet Jagan so that he accepts his VRS," CMO sources told NewsMeter.

A highly placed source said considering his seniority, the AP government was finding it difficult to allocate him any suitable post though they tried their best.

“They didn’t mind him keeping him idle since many other bureaucrats have not been given any postings. Somesh Kumar has been shifted to Andhra because of his proximity to KCR and BRS' tussle with the centre. However, a decision on the VRS application is likely to be out in the coming week. An official confirmation is awaited, ” he said

Rumors are agog that KCR may give Somesh Kumar a loyalty gift after his VRS is accepted. It has been said that KCR may appoint Somesh Kumar as Telangana government advisor. But it is too premature as things are yet to unfold. Somesh Kumar was supposed to retire in December 2023.