- GM Vishnuvardhan Rao continues despite board’s decision to remove him
- Promotions stalled, key departments controlled like personal fiefdoms
- Officers Treating Markfed as Personal Territory
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Some senior officials in Telangana’s Markfed have reportedly held onto key positions for several years, leading to growing discontent among staff. Allegations suggest that these officers are acting like feudal lords—treating their departments as private territories, blocking others from entering, and manipulating administrative processes. Employees complain that such long-term control has created a culture of favoritism, inefficiency, and unchecked power. Attempts to bring in fresh leadership or transfer them have often been stalled or sabotaged internally. These officers are even accused of influencing higher authorities to maintain their hold.
GM Ignoring Board Decision, Still in Power
General Manager Vishnuvardhan Rao, deputed from the Cooperation Department, has been serving in the post for nearly six years. Around 18 months ago, the Markfed Board passed a resolution to remove him, clearly stating they no longer wanted him to continue. However, the decision was brushed aside, drawing widespread criticism from staff and board members alike.
Many are questioning how a board resolution involving elected representatives can be ignored so blatantly. The continuation of Rao is reportedly due to support from a senior agricultural official, bypassing the board’s authority. Employees see this as a clear example of authoritarian functioning and a complete disregard for institutional governance. Moreover, there is considerable dissatisfaction regarding Rao’s performance. Staff claim he obstructed internal promotions and failed to conduct timely board meetings. The matter even reached the court, and many believe his leadership has brought more harm than benefit.
Promotions Blocked, Eligible Officers Sidelined
One major complaint among employees is the stalling of promotions. Senior Manager Rekha, who has been in charge of the fertilizers division for nearly 7–8 years, has remained in the same role without promotion or transfer. Though eligible, her career progression has allegedly been blocked without valid reasons. Deputy Manager Chandrasekhar, who has been heading the crop procurement wing for more than five years, also remains in the same role. Staff accuse him of mishandling maize sales, which allegedly led to losses of around ₹1,000 crore during his tenure. His continued presence in a key position has sparked discontent among senior officers who are working in remote districts while a few dominate the headquarters. Even former Chairman Mar Gangareddy reportedly tried to transfer these officers but was unsuccessful. Employees say that at the very least, they should have been shifted to other departments, but internal resistance has kept them in place.
Need for Reform and Rotation…
Officials and employees alike believe that the long-term stay of certain individuals in the same departments is leading to systemic issues. Important departments like fertilizers and procurement have been handled by the same officers for years, reducing transparency and performance.
The demand for rotation, accountability, and fair promotions is growing louder inside Markfed. Without immediate corrective action, employees fear that the organization’s credibility and efficiency will continue to decline. All eyes are now on the state government to intervene and ensure administrative reforms that restore fairness and break the power monopoly held by a few.
