In a setback for Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner Amrapali Kata, her bid to stay in Telangana has been rejected. The 2010-batch IAS officer must now pack her bags and head back to Andhra Pradesh.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions made the decision based on recommendations from the Khandekar Committee. This committee was tasked with reviewing requests from officers wanting to switch states after Andhra Pradesh split in 2014.

Amrapali Kata had hoped to call Telangana home, citing her ties to the region. However, the committee found her request didn’t fit the rules set for officer allocation after the state divided.

“The guidelines are clear and apply to everyone,” a ministry official explained. “We can’t make exceptions, even for talented officers like Ms. Amrapali Kata.”

The GHMC Commissioner’s journey hit a roadblock when it was discovered she had listed Visakhapatnam as her permanent address on her UPSC form. This detail played a crucial role in the decision.

“It’s not just about where you want to work,” another official added. “The allocation process considers many factors to ensure fairness for all officers.”

The High Court had previously stressed the importance of following these guidelines. They warned that bending the rules for one person could be unfair to others.

Amrapali Kata’s attempt to challenge the allocation process also raised eyebrows. The committee viewed this as stepping into policy-making territory, which is beyond an officer’s role.

For Hyderabad residents who have grown fond of Amrapali Kata’s work at GHMC, this news may come as a disappointment. However, officials assure that the decision was made to maintain a fair system for all IAS officers.

So Amrapali Kata prepares for her return to Andhra Pradesh officially.

-Sanyogita