Hyderabad, October 10, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a setback for IAS officer Amrapali Kata, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions rejected her petition to be reallocated to the Telangana cadre on Wednesday, October 9. Currently serving as the GHMC Commissioner in Telangana, Kata had initially been allocated to the 2010 Andhra Pradesh cadre and had requested a transfer to the Telangana cadre, a request that has now been denied.
The decision was based on the recommendations of the Khandekar Committee, which was formed to review cadre allocation issues after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The committee highlighted that Kata’s challenge to the allocation guidelines had already been addressed by the High Court, which upheld the procedures set in place during the bifurcation.
In its report, the Khandekar Committee pointed out that Amrapali Kata had listed her “permanent address” as Visakhapatnam in her UPSC application and sought to be treated as an insider for the Telangana cadre. However, the Pratyush Sinha Committee, responsible for initial allocations after the state’s division, had denied this request, adhering to the established guidelines for cadre allocation.
The ministry accepted the Khandekar Committee’s recommendation, affirming that the allocation process for officers from undivided Andhra Pradesh followed uniform guidelines. The High Court also emphasized the need to uphold these standards, warning that any deviation would lead to discriminatory practices.
The court further noted that Kata’s challenge to the allocation guidelines represented an overstep into policymaking, which was beyond her purview. The Khandekar Committee reiterated that her allocation to Andhra Pradesh was based on factual records and followed the same criteria applied to all officers during the bifurcation.
As a result of this decision, Amrapali Kata will be required to return to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
About Amrapali Kata
Amrapali Kata was born on November 4, 1982, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. She completed her schooling at Sai Satya Mandir School in Visakhapatnam. She pursued a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, followed by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Before joining the civil services, she worked at ABN AMRO Bank.
Amrapali Kata secured the 39th rank in the 2010 UPSC examination, making her one of the youngest candidates to clear the exam. She was also the first woman IAS officer to be appointed as the District Collector of Warangal Urban District, making a significant mark in her administrative career.
FAQs
1.Why was Amrapali Kata’s request for the Telangana cadre denied?
Amrapali Kata’s request was denied based on the recommendations of the Khandekar Committee, which followed established guidelines for cadre allocation after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
2.What role does the Khandekar Committee play in cadre allocation?
The Khandekar Committee was formed to review cadre allocation following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. It ensures that allocations adhere to the rules and guidelines set by the government.
3.What is Amrapali Kata’s current position?
Amrapali Kata is currently serving as the GHMC Commissioner in Telangana.
4.What was Amrapali Kata’s argument for seeking the Telangana cadre?
Amrapali Kata cited her permanent address as Visakhapatnam in her UPSC application and sought to be treated as an insider for the Telangana cadre.
5.What is Amrapali Kata’s background in the civil services?
Amrapali Kata cleared the UPSC exam in 2010, securing the 39th rank. She was one of the youngest candidates to clear the exam and the first woman IAS officer to serve as the District Collector of Warangal Urban District.
