The demand was made in the wake of the State grappling with a rising crime rate (of various nature) and rapid urban expansion, particularly in and around Hyderabad, according to officials.

Following the formation of Telangana in 2014, the first cadre review was conducted in 2016. The subsequent review, which was scheduled for 2021, was delayed, and eventually completed only in 2025. Despite the four-year delay, the Centre sanctioned just seven additional IPS posts for the state, the Chief Minister pointed out.

Telangana’s IPS Strength

The Chief Minister also termed the increase in the number of additional IPS posts as inadequate, and requested the Union government to raise Telangana’s sanctioned IPS strength from the current 83 officers to 105. He urged the Centre to ensure that the next cadre review, which is due in 2026, is conducted and concluded in time so that the state’s administrative and policing needs are addressed.

According to officials familiar with the discussion, Reddy highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of crimes in the state. Like many other regions in the country, Telangana is witnessing a rise in cybercrime, drug trafficking networks, and white-collar offences, which require specialised policing and stronger leadership within the force.

Urban Policing

They said that the Chief Minister also drew attention to the increasing administrative pressure on the police following recent and proposed structural changes in urban policing. These include the reorganisation of the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Malkajgiri Police Commissionerates, as well as plans to establish a new “Future City” Commissionerate. Rapid population growth in the Hyderabad metropolitan region has further intensified the demand for senior police officers to manage law-and-order responsibilities effectively.

Apart from cadre strength, the meeting also reviewed the state’s progress in tackling Left-Wing Extremism. According to Reddy, Telangana has witnessed a significant improvement in policing outcomes over the past two years, particularly in encouraging Maoist cadres to surrender and return to civilian life.

The Chief Minister informed the Home Minister that 591 Maoists had surrendered during this period and joined the mainstream. Several senior leaders of the banned movement have also recently laid down arms, he said, adding that the state government is providing compensation and rehabilitation support to surrendered cadres in accordance with established policy norms.

Development Initiatives

Reddy also sought more financial support from the Union government for development initiatives in Telangana’s backward regions, emphasising that economic progress in these areas is crucial for sustaining peace and preventing extremist resurgence.

Senior officials accompanying the Chief Minister during the meeting included Principal Secretary V. Seshadri, Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy, Additional DGP (Intelligence) Vijay Kumar, and State Intelligence Bureau IGP B. Sumathi.