Andhra CM Jaganmohan Reddy surrounded by cabinet rank advisors

AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh government had already appointed five advisors and accorded all of them with cabinet rank, the appointment of YSRCP parliamentary party leader and Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy as special representative in New Delhi with cabinet rank was the sixth one in the series.
Although the special representative in New Delhi requires the cabinet rank to coordinate with several union ministers and senior officials, the decision to give cabinet rank even to the programmes coordinator has raised many an eye-brows in the administrative circles.
Communications advisor was also granted cabinet rank.
Senior officers in the CMO will directly coordinate with the officials in the field such as the district collectors or embassies overseas whenever the chief minister goes on a trip. The programmes coordinator will have no role either in finalisation of the tour itinerary or coordinating with the officials.
YSRCP leader Talasila Raghuram, who has been with Jagan for the past nine years in the post of programmes coordinator, was roped in as an advisor in the cabinet rank. "He should have been appointed as chairman of PSU corporation if at all Jagan wants to reward him for his services. Taking everyone into CMO as advisors might not go well particularly when CM is talking tall about cost-cutting," said a senior official.
Speculation is rife that CM is contemplating to take a few more advisors in the cabinet rank. Majority of such posts are being created only to appease the leaders and retired bureaucrats who stood by him while in opposition.
Although Jagan’s predecessor Chandrababu Naidu appointed many advisors when he was at the helm, he granted cabinet rank status only to Parakala Prabhakar who held the position of communications advisor for about four years.
CM’s largesse is not only lowered the stature of the cabinet minister but also a massive burden on the exchequer
YS Jagan has been talking about initiating stringent austerity measures to reduce the burden on the exchequer right from the day one he assumed charge as chief minister. He had directed the officials that no unnecessary spending should be made on official meetings and programmes.
Even the cabinet swearing-in ceremony was also winded up with simple high-tea instead of hosting sumptuous lunch although the programme was ended around 1.30pm, following the chief minister's instructions.
Jagan cabinet rank advisors
Ajeya Kallam (CMO boss)
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy (Public Affairs)
M Samuel, Ex.IAS, Vice-chairman, Navarathnalu implementation committee
GVD Krishnamohan, (Communications)
Talasila Raghuram (Programmes-coordinator-Cabinet rank)
V Vijayasai Reddy, MP (Special representative in New Delhi)
*One chief whip and five whips in the assembly with cabinet rank
*One chief whip and one whip in legislative council with cabinet rank
*Each cabinet rank post enjoys a pay of nearly Rs.2.5 lakh per month and Rs.2.5 lakh perks (approx.)
*Government had to create additional posts of advisor as they are entitled to get one PS, one additional PS, two PAs, two drivers and three attendees. This results in a heavy burden on the exchequer
*Full medical reimbursement for the entire family of the advisor
*Cabinet status gives them a chance to interact and instruct the officials including secretaries and district collectors