Andhra Pradesh Revenue Services Association refutes reports on cadre irregularities

In response to recent media reports alleging irregularities in the Revenue Department’s cadre structure, the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Services Association has issued a clarification, calling the claims “misinformation,” particularly regarding permanent and temporary posts such as the Election Deputy Tahsildar (EPIC DT) roles.

In a statement issued on Monday, Association leaders Bopparaju Venkateswarlu and Ramisetti Venkata Rajesh explained that the EPIC DT posts were created in 2008 and have functioned continuously for the past 17 years across different governments. These positions, they said, are critical for handling voter enrolment, deletions, and issuing Electoral Photo ID Cards in coordination with the Election Commission of India (ECI). While the ECI has recommended that the posts be made permanent, the State government has extended them annually without formally regularising them.

Quoting Section 4(1)(b) of the A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996, the association argued that posts existing for over five years are considered substantive and should be included in the cadre strength—something that has already been done in this case. The association stressed that no new posts were created during the previous government’s tenure. The unified process launched in 2021 merely declared existing posts, completing the formalities in 2023 as per the A.P. Reorganisation Act, 2014. Allegations that deputation-based posts are being made permanent were also dismissed as baseless.

They clarified that cadre restructuring falls under the purview of the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA), with the Finance Department serving only an advisory role. With the matter currently under judicial review, the association said further action would depend on the High Court’s verdict.