Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who extended a grand felicitation in an unusual way to his Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, who retired today at a function held in the secretariat, has given clear indication that hereafter he would function as almost `de facto’ chief minister. He announced that he is appointing him as Chief Adviser to the Telangana Government and would function from the chamber till now occupied by him in the Secretariat.

As Rao is hardly available at office for any consultations, asking all officials to attend whatever review meetings he may conducts from time to time, he has given clear directions to treat him as the most `important’ person in the government. Even he asked them to treat him as `chief secretary’.

On this occasion, Rao recalled that Rajiv Sarma had performed a crucial role being additional secretary of the union home ministry, at the time of formation of Telangana state and also by associating with Justice B S Krishna panel. “He was involved in the drafting of AP Reorganisation Bill, aware of every clause and an active participant in the entire process”, he added.

Only to make use help of this knowledge, he said he had appointed him as the first chief secretary of the state, by which the state was able to resolve several issues with Andhra Pradesh and also the centre. To utilise his services further, he said he is appointing him as Chief Adviser.

Most of Rao’s cabinet colleagues and senior officials were present on this occasion and recalled his administrative skills. Already his term as chief secretary was extended for six months, before he retires today.

Rajiv Sharma said that felicitation to him, is considered as a huge respectful gesture for civil services officers. He stressed the need for civil services officers to work collectively to take the government priorities and schemes successfully to the people.