HYDERABAD: Amid the raging political controversy surrounding the remarks made against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy by Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha’s daughter Sushmita, the state government cancelled deputations of a number of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers.
Interestingly, their postings were cancelled without Minister Konda Surekha’s knowledge. According to sources, as many as seven IFS officers are working in other departments on deputation. The sanctioned strength of IFS officers in Telangana is 81.
Of them, about 50 officers are working in the posts assigned to them. Sources further revealed that two months ago, the then Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)
C Suvarna had written to the government, seeking cancellation of deputations of IFS officers, stating that the Forest department is facing problems due to a shortage of officers. The government, sources said, subsequently issued orders cancelling the deputations and instructed the officers on deputation to report to the PCCF.