Why Was IAS Officer Smita Sabharwal Transferred Amid Social Media Controversy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent transfer of IAS officer Smita Sabharwal by the Telangana government has stirred controversy following her police summons related to a social media post. The reshuffling includes several other high-profile officials and raises questions about selective accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Smita Sabharwal's transfer highlights political dynamics in Telangana.
- The controversy raises questions about accountability in governance.
- Numerous other officers were also reassigned during this reshuffle.
- Public response reflects concerns over selective enforcement.
- The situation may influence future civil service actions.
Hyderabad, April 27 (NationPress) Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Smita Sabharwal has been transferred by the Telangana government, following her summons by police for sharing an AI-generated Ghibli image on social media concerning the deforestation of a 400-acre site near Hyderabad Central University. This transfer is part of a larger reshuffle involving 20 officers.
Sabharwal, who appeared before the Cyberabad police last week, raised concerns about the "selective targeting" of her case, questioning if similar actions were taken against the 2,000 individuals who also shared the post.
Currently serving as Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture (YAT&C) and Director of Archaeology, she has been reassigned to the position of Member Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission, a role she held prior to her YAT&C appointment in November 2024.
Under the previous BRS government, she was a significant figure as the secretary to the Chief Minister. Following the change in power to Congress, she was removed from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and reassigned as Member Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission.
Other notable transfers include Jayesh Ranjan, who has been moved to the CMO as Special Chief Secretary & CEO of the Industry & Investment Cell, and Sanjay Kumar, who has been reassigned to the Industries & Commerce Department.
Dr. Shashank Goel, previously Director General at the Dr MCR HRD Institute, will now serve as Vice Chairman of the Centre for Good Governance and will oversee additional responsibilities.
M. Dana Kishore, once Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, is now positioned as Principal Secretary for Labour, Employment, Training & Factories, while retaining additional roles.
Additionally, Ilambarithi K., former Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), has been appointed as Secretary of the Metropolitan Area & Urban Development Department.
RV Karnan, previously Director of Health and Family Welfare, steps in as the new Commissioner of the GHMC.
T.K. Sreedevi has been assigned as Secretary in the Municipal Administration Department for areas outside HMDA limits while continuing her current duties.
E.V. Narsimha Reddy, Director of School Education, has taken on the role of Additional CEO of the Industry & Investment Cell and SPEED, while also overseeing the Musi River Development Corporation Ltd (MRDCL).
Point of View
NationPress recognizes the complexities involved in the sudden transfer of IAS officer Smita Sabharwal. This incident raises important questions about accountability and governance practices in Telangana, reflecting a broader narrative about political dynamics and civil service integrity.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Smita Sabharwal transferred?
Smita Sabharwal was transferred amid a controversy regarding her reposting an AI-generated image on social media, which drew police attention.
What position does Smita Sabharwal hold now?
She has been reassigned as Member Secretary of the Telangana Finance Commission.
What was the public response to her transfer?
Many have raised concerns about selective targeting and accountability in the actions taken against her.
Who else was transferred in this reshuffle?
The reshuffle included several high-ranking officers, such as Jayesh Ranjan and Sanjay Kumar, with significant changes in their roles.
What was the reason for the police summons?
She was summoned for sharing a post related to deforestation, which sparked a social media debate.
