Hyderabad: The Telangana government has appointed senior IAS officer Sanjay Jaju (IAS:1992: Telangana) as the next Chief Secretary of the state. Jaju, who was recently repatriated from the Centre, will assume charge on July 1, 2026, succeeding K. Ramakrishna Rao, who is retiring on June 30 upon attaining the age of superannuation. Along with the state’s top bureaucratic post, Jaju has also been entrusted with several key additional portfolios, including Industries, Commerce, Information Technology and the Industry & Investment Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Sanjay Jaju to Take Over as Telangana’s Top Bureaucrat
The appointment marks a significant administrative decision by the Telangana government, with Jaju becoming the state’s highest-ranking civil servant after serving in several important positions in the Central Government.
The government also appointed outgoing Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao as Advisor and Ex-Officio Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister after his retirement.
Jaju’s tenure as Chief Secretary is expected to continue until February 2029, providing administrative continuity over the coming years.
Preferred Over Senior Batchmates: Why Was Sanjay Jaju Chosen?
IAS Jaju’s appointment is being viewed as a strategic decision by the Telangana government.
Although senior IAS officers Jayesh Ranjan and Vikas Raj, both belonging to the same 1992 batch, were also eligible for the post, the government reportedly preferred Jaju because of his long stint with the Central Government since the formation of Telangana in 2014.
Officials believe his prolonged central deputation meant he had no administrative association with the previous BRS government, making him a politically neutral choice. His longer remaining service until February 2029 also ensures administrative stability for the state. Officials indicate that Jaju’s long stint in the Central Government since the formation of Telangana in 2014 played a significant role in his selection.
Additional Key Responsibilities
Besides being appointed Chief Secretary, Sanjay Jaju has also been assigned additional responsibilities as:
- Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department
- Special Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C)
- Special Chief Secretary and CEO, Industry & Investment Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO)
These portfolios place him at the centre of Telangana’s industrial growth, investment promotion and digital governance initiatives.
Recent Central Government Assignments
Before returning to Telangana, Jaju served in several high-profile positions in the Government of India.
His recent assignments include:
- Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (from February 5, 2024)
- Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) (from April 1, 2026)
Earlier, he also held important positions in the Department of Defence Production and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Who is IAS Sanjay Jaju?
Sanjay Jaju is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre with more than three decades of administrative experience across both state and central governments.
Personal Profile
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1969
- Cadre: Telangana
- Batch: 1992
- Home State: Madhya Pradesh
- Current Position: Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana
Strong Academic Credentials
Jaju has an impressive academic background that combines engineering, finance and management.
His qualifications include:
- B.E. in Mechanical Engineering
- M.Tech.
- Cost & Management Accountant (ICWAI)
- MBA in Finance
He has also completed executive programmes at globally renowned institutions including:
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- University of Manchester
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Jaju has handled several important assignments.
Pioneer of Mee Seva
As IT Secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh, he played a leading role in designing and implementing the Mee Sevadigital governance platform, one of India’s earliest citizen-centric e-governance initiatives.
Digital Transformation at NHIDCL
As the founding Director of NHIDCL, he spearheaded complete digital transformation of the organisation by introducing platforms such as:
- INAMPRO
- INFRACON
- ePACE
- BIMS
His efforts earned NHIDCL the National e-Governance Gold Award.
Boosting Defence Innovation
During his tenure in the Department of Defence Production, he played an instrumental role in establishing the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and the Defence Innovation Organisation, helping integrate startups into India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He also contributed to the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board and was associated with the government’s Make in India programme in defence.
Senior Roles at the Centre
Jaju later served as:
- Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary, Department of Defence Production
- Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
- Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Awards and Recognition
His distinguished career has earned him several prestigious honours, including:
- National e-Governance Gold Award (2018) for digital transformation initiatives.
- SKOCH Public Service Award (2021) for contributions to defence manufacturing and innovation.
- Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for key governance reforms, including defence sector modernisation and digital initiatives.
Personal Life
Sanjay Jaju is married to Jyoti Somani Jaju, who serves as a Project Director at the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. The couple has a daughter, Naveli Jaju.
Expected to Drive Telangana’s Administrative Reforms
With extensive experience in digital governance, infrastructure development, defence manufacturing, media administration and public policy, Sanjay Jaju is expected to play a crucial role in steering Telangana’s governance, industrial growth and investment promotion over the next few years.
His long tenure until February 2029 is also expected to provide administrative continuity as the state prepares for future development initiatives and electoral cycles.
Read also: Who is IAS Sanjay Jaju? DoNER Secretary Repatriated to Telangana, Likely to Be Next Chief Secretary
