K. Ramakrishna Rao Takes Charge as Telangana Chief Secretary

Mr. Rao, who was serving as Special Chief Secretary of Finance, will continue to hold that post in full additional charge (FAC) alongside his new responsibilities. A key figure in Telangana’s financial administration, he has prepared 14 state budgets, including two vote-on-account budgets, over the past decade.

An engineer by training, Mr. Rao holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering from IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi respectively, and an MBA in Investments.

He began his administrative career as District Collector in Adilabad and Guntur in the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh, later serving as Director of School Education. Mr. Rao played a pivotal role during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, handling sensitive reorganisation matters after the A.P. Reorganisation Act was enacted in 2014.

Known for his articulate defense of Telangana’s interests, he was the state’s primary representative in key negotiations with the Ministry of Home Affairs and national platforms such as the Southern Zonal Council. His contributions were especially valued by the previous BRS-led government, which entrusted him with critical responsibilities during a transformative period in the state’s formation.

Mr. Rao formally took over from Ms. Santhi Kumari at the Secretariat on Wednesday, marking a significant transition in Telangana’s top administrative leadership.