metro india news  I hyderabad

In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding an IAS officer touching the feet of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during a public event in Nagarkurnool district on Sunday, the Telangana government has issued a formal advisory to IAS, IPS, and IFS cadres to refrain from indulging in acts or gestures that are unbecoming of a member of the service emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism and decorum in public interactions.

The General Administration (SPL.C) Department issued a memo on Tuesday. The memo, issued by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, emphasizes that such actions in public gatherings reflect poorly on the image of the AIS cadre and erode public trust.

Citing Rule 3(1) of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the memo reiterates that officers must maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and refrain from any behaviour that undermines their professional conduct. It also highlights the need for officers to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and decorum in both official and public interactions.

The directive comes amid widespread media coverage and social media discussions over the viral image showing IAS officer A. Sharath, Secretary of Tribal Welfare, purportedly bowing to touch the Chief Minister’s feet. While no individual was named in the government memo, the timing has drawn a clear connection to the incident.

“All India Services officers shall refrain from indulging in acts and gestures which are unbecoming... Any Member of Service violating these instructions is liable for disciplinary action,” the memo warned. The circular has been forwarded to all IAS officers and senior officials in the police and forest departments to ensure strict compliance and to uphold the dignity and neutrality of civil services.