In a significant administrative reshuffle, K. Vijayanand, a 1992-batch IAS officer and currently serving as the Special Chief Secretary in the Energy Department, has been appointed the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh. He succeeds Neerabh Kumar Prasad, an IAS officer of 1987 batch, who will retire on December 31, 2024, upon reaching the age of superannuation.
Vijayanand, who will assume office on December 31, expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu for entrusting him with the role. He also acknowledged the support of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh, and the outgoing Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad. Vijayanand pledged to focus on inclusive growth and development, especially in the state’s backward regions and among weaker sections of society.
Born on November 18, 1965, he hails from Andhra Pradesh and holds an M.Tech and a PG degree in Mechanical Engineering. Known for his dedication and leadership, he has had a distinguished career in various key roles across the state government.
With vast experience in the power sector, Vijayanand has played a pivotal role in formulating and executing Andhra Pradesh’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy, aiming to make the state a global clean energy hub. His leadership also contributed to significant advancements in the power sector, including the commissioning of several major energy projects and the development of robust infrastructure post-bifurcation of the state.
Vijayanand’s career spans key administrative roles, including serving as Managing Director of APGENCO and APTRANSCO, and Principal Secretary for IT & Electronics. He has been widely recognized for his innovative leadership and strategic planning, particularly in the energy sector.
His administrative career began in 1993 as the Assistant Collector of Adilabad, followed by his role as Sub Collector of Rampachodavaram until 1996. He then served as the Project Director for Rural Development, Joint Collector for Ranga Reddy district, and District Collector for Srikakulam and Nalgonda districts from 1998 to 2007. From 2007, he served as the State Project Director for Planning and Program Implementation until 2008.
Vijayanand’s contributions, particularly in the power and IT sectors, as well as his administrative acumen, have left an enduring mark on Andhra Pradesh. As Principal Secretary for IT & Electronics from December 2016 to June 2019, Vijayanand was instrumental in developing policies like the Electronics Policy and Data Centre Policy, which attracted major tech giants such as HCL, TCL, and other IT and electronics companies to cities like Vizag, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. His promotion to Chief Secretary is seen as a recognition of his dedication and exceptional service to the state.
