Telangana bureaucrat tries touching CM’s feet, gets disciplined by CS

In a recent incident that has sparked controversy, A. Sharath, the Principal Secretary of the Tribal Welfare Department in Telangana, was seen attempting to touch the feet of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during the launch of the ‘Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam’ scheme in Macharam village on May 19. The act was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention.

Following the incident, Telangana’s Chief Secretary, K. Ramakrishna Rao, issued a memo on May 20, cautioning All India Services (AIS) officers and other government employees against engaging in acts and gestures that may impact their image and undermine public faith in their ability to serve. The memo referenced Rule 3 of the Telangana Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which stipulates that every government employee must maintain absolute integrity, discipline, impartiality, and a sense of propriety.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that such behavior is unbecoming of a public servant and warned that any violations would lead to strict disciplinary action. This directive aims to reinforce the importance of professionalism and decorum among government officials, especially during public events and gatherings

This incident is not the first of its kind in Telangana. In 2021, Siddipet District Collector P. Venkatarami Reddy faced criticism after he was seen touching the feet of then-Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao during an official function. The act was defended by Reddy, who stated that he considered the Chief Minister a fatherly figure and sought his blessings. 

The recent incident involving A. Sharath has reignited discussions about the appropriate conduct of bureaucrats and the need to maintain a clear distinction between political leaders and civil servants. Critics argue that such actions compromise the neutrality and integrity expected from public servants.

In response to the controversy, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy did not publicly comment on the incident. However, the state government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and ensuring that all officials adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

The disciplinary action taken against A. Sharath serves as a reminder to all government employees about the importance of maintaining professionalism and adhering to established conduct rules. As Telangana continues to develop, the role of civil servants in upholding the state’s democratic values remains crucial.