Telangana Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to superannuate on March 31

Hyderabad: Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Telangana cadre, is scheduled to retire on March 31, 2026, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

His retirement follows a seven-month extension granted by the Centre, which extended his original superannuation date from August 31, 2025. Bureaucratic circles say UPSC rules do not permit another extension as Ramakrishna was already on a seven-month extended tenure.

This extension, granted by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the All India Services rules back then, was aimed at ensuring administrative continuity during a pivotal period for Telangana's development.

Rao's tenure as Telangana Chief Secretary has been characterized by fiscal expertise and reform-oriented leadership, aligning with key phases of the state's governance.

Educational and Professional Background

An alumnus of prestigious institutions, Rao holds engineering degrees from IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi, complemented by an MBA background. This strong academic foundation in engineering and financial management has underpinned his data-driven and technology-enabled approach to public administration.

During his career, he served as Collector and District Magistrate in Adilabad and Guntur districts, where he honed his skills at grassroots governance. He later rose to prominent roles, including Director General of the Centre for Good Governance (CGG), emphasizing institutional reforms and efficient processes.

Rao's expertise in public finance became evident during his long stint in the Finance department. Over a decade in this department, he steered the preparation of 14 state budgets for Telangana, including two vote-on-account budgets, earning him a reputation as a technically sound and steady administrator.

His contributions extended to resolving post-reorganization issues, such as staff bifurcation, through frequent engagements with the Union Home Ministry and DoPT, fostering a strong rapport with central authorities.

Tenure as Chief Secretary

Rao assumed the role of Telangana Chief Secretary on April 30, 2025, succeeding his predecessor amid a focus on financial stability and governance reforms.

He concurrently held a full additional charge as Special Chief Secretary of Finance for some time, allowing seamless integration of fiscal policies with broader administrative strategies.

The seven-month extension made him the first bureaucrat in Telangana to receive such a prolonged term at once, reflecting the Centre's confidence in his ability to navigate critical challenges.

During his leadership, Rao emphasized technology in governance, promoting data analytics for decision-making and institutional strengthening.

Rao's career highlights include spearheading financial reforms that bolstered Telangana's economic framework. His fiscal stewardship ensured stability during transitional periods, such as state budgets and developmental initiatives.

Known for his reform-minded approach, he played a central role in enhancing governance efficiency, from district-level administration to state-wide policies. His work at CGG advanced good governance practices, integrating technology for transparent and effective public services.

As Telangana continues its growth trajectory in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and digital innovation, Rao's tenure provided a stable foundation. His retirement will conclude an era of administrative excellence, leaving a legacy of fiscal prudence and innovative leadership.