Staff accord hero's welcome

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) was accorded a hero’s welcome on his arrival at the Telangana section of the secretariat complex here on Monday.

Accompanied by general secretary Kesav Rao and daughter Kavitha, the chief minister first offered prayers at the Nalla Pochamma temple and addressed a gathering of secretariat employees.

KCR assured them employee friendly administration and simplification of working rules.
He then entered the chief minister’s chamber in C-block amid Vedic chants and signed the first file pertaining to the state’s official logo.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Sharma and Director-General of Police Anurag Sharma wished the chief minister.

Keeping his word of entrusting prominent positions to Muslims and Dalits in his cabinet, KCR appointed Mohamood Ali and Dr T Rajaiah, a Dalit, as deputy chief ministers.
While Ali will take care of revenue and rehabilitation, Dr Rajaiah was entrusted with medical and health portfolio.

The other ministers include Nayani Narsimha Reddy (Home), Etela Rajendra (Finance), Pocharam Srinivas Reddy (Agriculture),T Harish Rao (Irrigation) , T Padma Rao Goud (Excise), Mahender Reddy (Transport), K T Ramarao (Panchayatraj and IT), Jogu Ramanna (Forests) and Jagadish Reddy (Education).

Meanwhile, Rajendra hinted that there could be cabinet expansion soon. Speaking to reporters following an informal cabinet meeting at the secretariat, he said, “There will be further expansion, maybe in two phases.”

He added that a formal cabinet meeting will take place after the date for first sitting of the Assembly is decided.