Promotions must reflect in public service, says Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Pawan Kalyan, said that the happiness employees feel through transparent promotions must ultimately be reflected in the services they provide to the public. Speaking at the “Maatamanti” interaction programme held in Mangalagiri on Wednesday, he urged officials and staff to ensure that their professional growth translates into better governance at the village level.

Pawan Kalyan, recalling his own background as the son of a government employee, said he understands how significant a promotion is for every family. Describing promotions as a festive moment in a household, he explained that the department had revamped the entire promotions and transfers system to make it transparent. He also criticized the previous government for allegedly allowing promotions and transfers to be influenced by “rate cards,” adding that the current administration follows seniority and sincerity as the only criteria. He reminded employees that impartial work is essential for timely public services, stating, “I will take responsibility, but you must not do anything wrong.”

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that over 10,000 employees in the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments have received promotions in the last 18 months, something he said has not happened even during the days of the united Andhra Pradesh. He added that, for the first time, 70 officials are set to be promoted to the rank of Zilla Parishad CEOs and that promotions are being processed regularly up to the Engineer-in-Chief level in the engineering wing.

Explaining his choice to lead the Panchayat Raj department, Pawan Kalyan said he believes that a nation can progress only when its villages are strong. He outlined several major reforms, including turning all 13,350 Panchayats into independent governance units by removing the earlier cluster system. He also said the Village Secretary role has been redefined as Village Development Officer and that Panchayats with over 10,000 people have been designated as Rurban Panchayats, allowing them to receive development support similar to urban areas.

To strengthen local administration in the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, the government has set up 77 dedicated Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) offices across the state. Pawan Kalyan said that, previously, officers worked only partially through Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) offices, but now, with independent units, citizen services have become more efficient and accessible at the village level.

Assuring full support to staff, the Deputy Chief Minister said that employee safety is a top priority for the government. He warned of strict action against anyone harassing women employees and recalled personally standing by the MPDO of Galiveedu, Alfred Jawahar Babu, after he was attacked on duty. He added that the government will always back employees who face difficulties while performing their responsibilities.

Pawan Kalyan also said that the state’s economic stability must improve before more benefits can be extended to employees. He noted that several key reforms are currently underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He called on the Panchayat Raj, Engineering, and Rural Water Supply departments to work together impartially and assured officials of his support, saying that if they work sincerely for the people, he will stand firmly behind them.

The event was attended by senior officials including Special Chief Secretary Shashibhushan Kumar, Commissioner Krishna Teja, Training Commissioner Muthyalaraju, Guntur Collector Tamim Ansaria, MNREGS Director Shanmukh Kumar, and engineering heads Balun Naik and Gayatri Devi.