HYDERABAD: Chief minister
K Chandrashekhar Rao
has decided to appoint outgoing chief secretary
Rajiv Sharma as 'chief advisor to the state government' after his retirement on Wednesday. He will have a cabinet minister's rank and special accommodation in Secretariat as well as Pragathi Bhavan, the CM's new camp office.
The CM intends to utilise Sharma's services in matters of administrative reforms, development of new districts, reorganisation issues and Centre-state relations. While there are six other advisors, sources said Sharma, as chief advisor, will play a vital role in formulating best governance practices.
"I am fully satisfied with my work during the crucial times of this fledgling state. Overcoming power shortage, attaining number one spot in ease of doing business, creation of new districts are the most satisfying achievements for me. I will continue to wish good luck for this dynamic state," Rajiv Sharma told TOI.
Sharma was made the CS soon after Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014. A 1982-batch IAS officer from Telangana cadre, he worked in the Union home ministry as additional secretary prior to his posting as CS. Sharma, during his stint in home ministry, represented it in the
Srikrishna Committee
that deliberated on the creation of Telangana. He played a key role in Telangana's formation and also in drafting of the AP Reorganisation Act. Known for his deep insight into Telangana movement, Sharma had a major role in creation of 31 districts.
An
IIT graduate from Roorkee, he did his masters in rural development in University of East Anglia, UK and earned a doctorate in public policy from
Carnegie Mellon University
, US.