Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand (IAS: 1992: WB), who is set to retire on January 31, 2026, is expected to be reappointed as ex-officio Special Chief Secretary to the state government. Sources indicate that Vijayanand will also continue to head the crucial Energy Department, a portfolio he has been overseeing even while serving as Chief Secretary.
G Sai Prasad to Take Over as Next Chief Secretary
Guttapalli Sai Prasad (IAS: 1991: AP), the current Special Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, is scheduled to take charge as the next Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh from March 1, 2026.
Sai Prasad brings decades of experience across state and central government roles, particularly in water management and energy sectors. His appointment marks a transition in the state bureaucracy, following Vijayanand’s retirement.
Vijayanand to Continue as Special Chief Secretary
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly decided to retain Vijayanand in the ex-officio cadre for one more year. Notably, even during his tenure as Chief Secretary, Vijayanand continued to manage the Energy Department, a rare arrangement in Indian bureaucracy where regular Chief Secretaries typically do not hold additional key portfolios.
The decision to continue him in this role is said to be motivated by his vast experience in executing energy projects and his pivotal role in attracting large-scale green energy investments to the state.
Profile: Guttapalli Sai Prasad
Personal Details –
- Date of Birth: May 6, 1966, Andhra Pradesh
- Education: M.Tech (IIT Delhi), Postgraduate in International Development Policy (Duke University, USA)
- Service Entry: UPSC Civil Services Examination 1990, entered IAS at age 25
Key Career Highlights:
- Current Role: Special Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department; Ex-Officio Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Chief Secretary (Designate): Will succeed K Vijayanand starting March 1, 2026
Previous Roles:
- Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu (2014–2019)
- CMD of APCPDCL and EPDPCL; Joint MD of APTRANSCO
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India
- Collector of Chittoor and Kurnool districts
- Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA)
- Municipal Commissioner, Guntur
Sai Prasad is recognized for his technical expertise, integrity, and non-controversial leadership style, making him a trusted figure in Andhra Pradesh’s administrative landscape.
Transition and Administrative Continuity
The reappointment of Vijayanand as ex-officio Special Chief Secretary ensures continuity in the energy sector while facilitating a smooth transition to Sai Prasad as Chief Secretary. The dual focus on energy and administrative efficiency reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging experienced bureaucrats for critical portfolios.
Sources also note that the official retirement date for Sai Prasad is December 31, 2026, though extensions may be granted depending on government requirements.
Profile: K. Vijayanand
K. Vijayanand, a 1992-batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh, is a distinguished bureaucrat with over three decades of experience in public administration. An M.Tech. graduate, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1991 and began his career in 1993 as Assistant Collector of Adilabad. Over the years, he served as District Collector of Srikakulam and Nalgonda and held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh. In a historic achievement, Vijayanand became the first person from the Backward Classes (BC) community to serve as Chief Secretary of the state, taking charge on 31 December 2024 and receiving a three-month extension of his tenure into early 2026.
Vijayanand is widely recognized for his expertise in the energy and IT sectors. He led APGENCO as Managing Director and APTRANSCO as Chairman & MD, playing a pivotal role in formulating the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024, targeting 160 GW of renewable energy capacity. As Principal Secretary for IT & Electronics (2016–2019), he implemented policies that attracted major tech firms like HCL and TCL to the state. Born on 18 November 1965 in Kadapa district, his career reflects a blend of administrative excellence, sectoral expertise, and pioneering leadership in Andhra Pradesh’s governance.
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