Amaravati: Senior IAS officer Yerra Srilakshmi (IAS: 1988: AP) has been appointed as Special Chief Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) by the Andhra Pradesh Government, just days before her retirement on June 30, 2026. The appointment ends a prolonged period during which she remained without a regular posting. However, with only four days of service left, the move has attracted attention for its timing and revived discussions around her long administrative career, marked by high-profile assignments as well as major legal controversies.
Andhra Government Assigns GAD Posting
The Andhra Pradesh Government has appointed Yerra Srilakshmi as Special Chief Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD).
With this order, Shamsher Singh Rawat, who had been holding the additional charge of the department, has been relieved of the responsibility.
The appointment comes only days before Srilakshmi’s retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, making it one of the shortest tenures for an officer at such a senior level.
Political observers and bureaucratic circles have noted that the posting effectively gives the senior officer an official assignment before her superannuation after remaining without a substantive posting for a considerable period.
A Veteran IAS Officer with Over Three Decades of Service
Yerra Srilakshmi belongs to the 1988 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
Born on July 15, 1966, she holds a Master’s degree in History and entered the civil services through direct recruitment at the age of 22, making her one of the youngest officers of her batch.
During her career spanning more than three decades, she held several key administrative positions, including:
- Assistant Collector
- District Collector
- Vice Chairperson in various government institutions
- Industries Secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh
- Principal Secretary
- Special Chief Secretary
- Special Chief Secretary for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD)
Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, she was allotted to the Telangana cadre, where she served in senior positions before returning to Andhra Pradesh in December 2020 after an order by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
Return to Andhra Pradesh After CAT Order
After the bifurcation of the state, Srilakshmi served in Telangana as Special Chief Secretary.
In December 2020, the Central Administrative Tribunal directed her repatriation to Andhra Pradesh. Subsequently, she was appointed as Principal Secretary, and later elevated as Special Chief Secretary in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department.
Her latest appointment to the General Administration Department comes shortly before her retirement from service.
Career Overshadowed by OMC Mining Scam
Despite holding several important administrative positions, Srilakshmi’s career has remained closely associated with the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) scam, one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Andhra Pradesh.
In 2011, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested her for allegedly misusing her position as Industries Secretary to grant undue benefits in iron ore mining leases to the Obulapuram Mining Company, promoted by mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy.
Following her arrest:
- She spent time in Chanchalguda Central Jail.
- She was later granted bail on medical grounds.
- She remained under suspension during the investigation.
Named in Jagan Assets Case
Apart from the mining case, Srilakshmi was also named in charge sheets connected to the alleged quid pro quo investments case involving Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The allegations related to investments made by Dalmia Cements, which were investigated as part of the larger disproportionate assets case.
Legal Battle Continues
Her legal challenges are yet to conclude.
In 2022, the High Court discharged her from the OMC-related proceedings. However, in May 2025, the Supreme Court set aside that order and directed the High Court to reconsider her discharge petition afresh.
As a result, the legal proceedings against her continue, even as she approaches retirement from the civil services.
Personal Life
IAS Srilakshmi is married to a senior IPS officer, and the couple has two children.
Appointment Draws Attention Over Timing
IAS Srilakshmi’s appointment as Special Chief Secretary (General Administration Department) has generated considerable discussion because it comes only a few days before her retirement.
While the order formally restores her to an active posting after a prolonged period without a substantive assignment, the extremely short tenure has led to speculation that the move is largely symbolic. Nevertheless, it marks the final administrative assignment in the career of one of Andhra Pradesh’s most high-profile and closely watched IAS officers.
