The Government of Andhra Pradesh is taking bold strides to revolutionize grassroots governance with its latest initiative: the rationalization of Village and Ward Secretariats. Anchored in the ambitious Swarna Andhra Vision 2047
How Will Secretariats Be Organized?
The state has introduced a three-tier categorization system for Village/Ward Secretariats, based on population size:
- Category A: Population up to 2,500 → Minimum 6 functionaries
- Category B: Population 2,501–3,500 → Minimum 7 functionaries
- Category C: Population over 3,500 → Minimum 8 functionaries
Flexibility is key: Tribal and remote areas can adjust these numbers based on local needs, economic activities, and workload. The government also allows increasing functionaries beyond the minimum with prior approval.
Who Are the Functionaries?
The staff in these secretariats are categorized into three roles to maximize efficiency:
- General Purpose : Handles general administrative tasks.
- Specific-Purpose (Technical) Functionaries: Manages specialized services (e.g., agriculture, healthcare).
- Aspirational: Focuses on community development and welfare schemes.
General Purpose Functionaries
The state has defined exact roles for multipurpose staff in Village and Ward Secretariats based on population size:
| Category | Population | Village Secretariats Roles | Ward Secretariats Roles | Total Functionaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | <2,500 | 2 General + 4 Technical | 2 General + 4 Technical | 6 |
| B | 2,501–3,500 | 3 General + 4 Technical | 3 General + 4 Technical | 7 |
| C | >3,500 | 4 General + 4 Technical | 4 General + 4 Technical | 8 |
Role Breakdown
Category A (Smallest):
Village: Panchayat Secretary/Digital Assistant + Welfare & Education Assistant/Mahila Police.
Ward: Ward Administrative Secretary/Education & Data Processing Secretary + Welfare & Development Secretary/Mahila Police.
Category B (Mid-sized):
Village: Panchayat Secretary + Digital Assistant + Welfare & Education Assistant/Mahila Police.
Ward: Ward Administrative Secretary + Education & Data Processing Secretary + Welfare & Development Secretary/Mahila Police.
Category C (Largest):
Village: Panchayat Secretary + Digital Assistant + Welfare & Education Assistant + Mahila Police.
Ward: Ward Administrative Secretary + Education & Data Processing Secretary + Welfare & Development Secretary + Mahila Police.
Specific-Purpose (Technical) Functionaries
Technical staff are assigned based on the needs of each group. Here’s the breakdown:
| Village Secretariats | Ward Secretariats |
|---|---|
| 1. ANM (1 per Secretariat) | 1. Ward Health Secretary (1 each) |
| 2. Engineering/Energy Assistant (1 per Secretariat) | 2. Ward Amenities/Planning Secretary (1 each) |
| 3. Village Revenue Officer/Survey Assistant (1 per Secretariat) | 3. Ward Revenue/Energy Secretary (1 each) |
| 4. Agriculture/Horticulture/Sericulture Assistant (1 per group*) | 4. Sanitation & Environment Secretary (1 each) |
| 5. Fisheries/Veterinary Assistant (1 per group*) | (Not applicable for Wards) |
Exceptions for Extra Staff
More functionaries can be added in high-demand areas:
Rural Clusters:
- If a group has 3+ Secretariats and fewer staff than required: Add 1 Engineering Assistant/VRO/Survey Assistant.
Urban Clusters:
- If a group has 3+ Secretariats with staffing gaps: Add 1 Ward Amenities Secretary.
Jurisdiction: Additional staff’s roles are defined locally to avoid overlaps.
Aspirational Functionaries
One staff member in each secretariat is now designated as an Aspirational Functionary, focusing on community development and welfare schemes. This role bridges governance and grassroots aspirations, ensuring marginalized groups receive targeted support.
