Introduction
Dr. Venkateswar Salijamala IAS is an intriguing example of a medical professional transitioning to administration. A medical graduate who later joined the 2016 Indian Administrative Service (Andhra Pradesh cadre), he has held key positions both at the state and central levels—including a stint as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. This blog post presents a comprehensive, SEO-friendly profile of his life, career, postings, controversies, and more.
Early Life & Education
-
Dr. Salijamala hails from Andhra Pradesh, and as of 2025, he is approximately 36 years old (IPS Details).
-
He holds an MBBS degree, having trained and worked as a medical practitioner before pursuing a career in civil services (IPS Details).
UPSC Journey & Entry into IAS
-
Dr. Salijamala cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination, earning entry into the 2016 IAS batch, Andhra Pradesh cadre (DesiGoogly, Indian Bureaucracy).
-
This transition—from medicine to administration—is noteworthy, reflecting both academic versatility and a strong calling toward public service.
Early Bureaucratic Assignments & Central Deputation
After joining the IAS, Dr. Salijamala undertook several notable roles:
-
Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Government of India) — appointed on central deputation following Phase II training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. He served from 2 July 2018 to 28 September 2018 (Indian Bureaucracy).
-
In 2020, as per an official Government of Andhra Pradesh notification, he continued as Project Officer, ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency), Paderu — indicating a posting in tribal development programs (Government of Andhra Pradesh).
Career Progression & Roles (State & Centre)
While detailed records of every posting are not publicly available, official sources (like the ER Sheet on supremo.nic.in) provide authorization-tracked postings, evaluations, and transfers. Common functions for mid-level IAS officers like Dr. Salijamala would include district administration, development programs, health departments, and tribal welfare, especially given his background as a Project Officer in ITDA.
Notable Cases & Legal Proceedings
In September 2020, Dr. Salijamala was the applicant in a case before the Central Administrative Tribunal (Hyderabad Bench). He challenged the Government of Andhra Pradesh’s handling of IAS cadre management—specifically issues regarding promotions and selections post the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under the Reorganization Act, 2014. The CAT directed the state to respond to his representation within 8 weeks, though the judgment did not adjudicate the merit of his case (CaseMine).
Administrative Style & Contributions
-
Medical lens in public service: With an MBBS background, Dr. Salijamala brings healthcare insights into governance.
-
Tribal development focus: His tenure at ITDA Paderu suggests direct engagement with tribal welfare and development projects.
-
Central exposure: Working at the Health Ministry in New Delhi would have broadened his understanding of national policy making.
Controversies & Challenges
-
Cadre management dispute: The CAT case in 2020 highlights his challenge to the administrative norms of cadre handling—especially relevant given AP’s re-organization—but stops short of indicating wrongdoing or disciplinary allegations.
There are no publicly available reports of personal misconduct or controversy beyond this, suggesting a relatively clean administrative record.
Interesting Facts about Dr. Venkateswar Salijamala IAS
-
Dual Discipline: From medicine (MBBS) to IAS officer—an unusual and inspiring career trajectory (IPS Details).
-
2016 IAS batch — part of the Andhra Pradesh cadre after the state’s bifurcation era (DesiGoogly, Indian Bureaucracy).
-
Central deputation early in career — took up a role at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in Delhi within his initial years (Indian Bureaucracy).
-
ITDA Involvement — project officer role signaling field-level administration in tribal areas (Government of Andhra Pradesh).
-
CAT Petitioner — sought clarity on cadre management as an IAS officer, reflecting engagement with systemic issues (CaseMine).
FAQs – Dr. Venkateswar Salijamala IAS
Q1: What is Dr. Venkateswar Salijamala's educational background?
A: He completed an MBBS and was a doctor before preparing for and joining the IAS (IPS Details).
Q2: Which batch and cadre does he belong to?
A: He belongs to the IAS 2016 batch, Andhra Pradesh cadre (DesiGoogly, Indian Bureaucracy).
Q3: What central roles did he serve in?
A: He served as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (GoI) from July to September 2018 (Indian Bureaucracy).
Q4: What is his current or field-level posting?
A: In 2020, he was noted as Project Officer, ITDA, Paderu, according to a government notification (Government of Andhra Pradesh).
Q5: Has he been involved in any controversy or legal case?
A: Yes, in 2020 he filed a case with the CAT (Hyderabad) challenging Andhra Pradesh's IAS cadre management after state bifurcation. The tribunal directed the state to respond (CaseMine).
Conclusion
Dr. Venkateswar Salijamala IAS stands as a multi-faceted bureaucrat—rooted in medicine, yet driven toward administration and public welfare. His journey from rural Andhra Pradesh to the IAS, and early exposure to central roles, showcases versatility. The CAT case illustrates his engagement not just with field administration, but also with systemic governance issues. With his clean profile and unique background, he embodies both the compassion of a doctor and the effectiveness of an administrator.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | MBBS (medical background) |
| IAS Batch | 2016, Andhra Pradesh cadre |
| Central Posting | Assistant Secretary, Health Ministry (2018) |
| Field Role | Project Officer, ITDA, Paderu (2020) |
| Legal Action | CAT petition on cadre management (2020) |

Comments
Post a Comment