Former IAS officer Praveen Prakash has issued a strong caution about the severe shortage of high-paying private sector jobs in the Guntur–Vijayawada region, stating that the problem cannot be solved without the complete development of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital, supported by Special Category Status (SCS) from the Central government.
On Thursday, Prakash said the absence of a robust economic ecosystem has left professionals with limited career opportunities, forcing many to migrate out of the state.
Early Career Experience Left a Lasting Impression
Recalling his posting in Guntur and Vijayawada between 2000 and 2004, Praveen Prakash said he was deeply impressed by the region’s balanced lifestyle, educational institutions, and social environment. This strong personal and professional connection, he explained, motivated him to seek a transfer to Andhra Pradesh after the 2014 bifurcation, even though he was initially allotted to Telangana.
“I believed the region had the potential to become a major administrative and economic hub,” he said.
Allegations of Professional Marginalisation
However, his later experience in Andhra Pradesh, according to Prakash, was deeply disappointing. He alleged that he was left without any official posting last year, which he described as a form of administrative punishment.
“This period was humiliating and mentally distressing,” he said, adding that the situation ultimately compelled him to opt for voluntary retirement from service.
Struggle to Find Comparable Private Sector Employment
After retiring, Praveen Prakash said he made sustained efforts to find a private sector job in Vijayawada that could offer remuneration comparable to his government salary, as he had family responsibilities to meet.
“Despite trying for nearly three months, I could not find any position in the region that matched my experience or pay expectations,” he said.
Eventually, he moved to Delhi, where he was able to secure a job with compensation similar to what he earned in government service — highlighting, he argued, the stark difference in economic opportunities.
Amaravati as an Economic Engine, Not a Political Issue
Prakash stressed that blaming individual political parties such as the YSRC, BJP, or Congress would not address the root of the problem. According to him, the real issue lies in the absence of a strong economic engine in Andhra Pradesh.
He argued that high-paying corporate jobs can emerge only when Amaravati is developed as a full-fledged capital city, as originally envisioned, with nine planned sub-cities designed to attract global corporations, financial institutions, and knowledge-based industries.
Special Category Status Key to Capital Development
Highlighting the scale of investment required, Praveen Prakash said the development of a greenfield capital like Amaravati would need an estimated ₹45 lakh crore, which is impossible without substantial Central assistance.
“Special Category Status is not a political slogan; it is an economic necessity,” he said, adding that Central support is crucial to build infrastructure, attract private investment, and create long-term employment.
Appeal to Voters Ahead of Municipal Elections
Prakash urged voters to support the demand for Special Category Status in the upcoming municipal elections, stating that the decision would directly impact job creation and economic stability for future generations.
“This is about securing livelihoods, not scoring political points,” he said, calling for a collective focus on sustainable development and employment growth.
