Akunuri Murali, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Caste and Family

Akunuri Murali, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to public service, educational reform, and advocacy for marginalized communities in India. His career, spanning nearly four decades, has been marked by both impactful administrative work and bold, sometimes controversial, public stances. As of 2024, Murali continues to shape policy as the Chairperson of the Telangana Education Commission, underscoring his enduring influence on the region’s governance and education landscape1 23.

Born in Telangana, Akunuri Murali’s early years were shaped by the realities of rural India, which later influenced his sensitivity to social justice and equity. While specific details about his family and childhood remain private, it is clear that Murali’s formative years instilled in him a deep sense of service and empathy for the underprivileged14.

Murali’s educational journey prepared him for the rigors of the civil services. Although exact academic credentials are not widely publicized, his successful entry into the IAS suggests a strong academic background, likely with a focus on public administration and social sciences1.

Akunuri Murali joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the 2006 batch through the State Services route, a testament to his perseverance and dedication5. His early postings were in the then undivided Andhra Pradesh, later transitioning to Telangana after the state’s bifurcation.

Throughout his career, Murali held several significant positions:

District Collector and Magistrate, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District: Murali’s tenure as District Collector was marked by people-centric governance and a focus on healthcare and education infrastructure5.
Director General, Telangana State Archives: In this role, Murali was responsible for preserving the state’s historical records and promoting research.
MD & Vice Chairman, Telangana Seed Development Corporation: He played a pivotal role in agricultural development and seed quality assurance.
CEO, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP): Here, Murali championed rural development and poverty alleviation programs3.
Advisor (Infrastructure), Andhra Pradesh School Education Department: After his voluntary retirement from the IAS, Murali was appointed as an advisor in Andhra Pradesh, where he spearheaded the Nadu-Nedu program to upgrade school infrastructure63.
National Programme Manager, UNDP South Asia Poverty Alleviation Project: His international experience included managing large-scale poverty reduction initiatives with the United Nations Development Programme3.

In October 2024, Murali was appointed as the Chairperson of the newly constituted Telangana Education Commission (TEC). The commission’s mandate is to overhaul the state’s education sector, making it more equitable, accessible, and aligned with contemporary needs23.

Murali’s vision for TEC includes:

Transforming education from a business venture to a right for all.
Criticizing the commercialization of education and advocating for affordable, quality schooling.
Emphasizing infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and school integration to bridge gaps across social strata12.

As an advisor in Andhra Pradesh, Murali was instrumental in the Nadu-Nedu initiative, which sought to modernize over 15,000 schools in its first phase. His focus on child-friendly infrastructure, sanitation (especially for girls), and community involvement set new benchmarks for public education6.

Appointment as TEC Chairperson: Murali’s leadership of the Telangana Education Commission has been widely covered in the media, with the government highlighting his expertise and commitment to systemic reform2 73.
Advocacy and Public Statements: Murali continues to be vocal about the need for government intervention in education, often critiquing both state and private actors for neglecting the needs of marginalized students12.
Consideration for Other Key Roles: Murali’s name was considered for the prestigious post of TSPSC (Telangana State Public Service Commission) Chairperson, reflecting his standing in administrative circles8.

Murali’s career has not been without turbulence. In 2019, he opted for voluntary retirement, citing discrimination in postings and a lack of meaningful work. He alleged that officers from Scheduled Castes (SC) were systematically sidelined in Telangana, sparking a broader conversation about caste-based discrimination in the bureaucracy9 10 11 1213.

“There is discrimination in postings and the way a SC officer is treated. I am not singling out Telangana... discrimination towards officers from scheduled castes is everywhere but more in Telangana.” — Akunuri Murali9 12 13

Murali publicly criticized the Telangana government’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, arguing that the funds could have been better used to improve government schools. His remarks were viewed as disparaging by the government, leading to his transfer to a non-focal post and, ultimately, his decision to retire early10.

While serving as Bhupalpally District Collector, Murali made headlines during a public health campaign by encouraging tribal communities to eat beef and wild boar, referencing traditional diets for better health. This sparked protests from some Brahmin organizations and led to official reprimands. Murali later apologized for any hurt caused, but the incident highlighted his willingness to challenge social taboos for what he saw as public good1213.

Murali’s direct and sometimes blunt communication style has also drawn criticism. In one instance, he was accused of using objectionable language while admonishing block development officers during a video conference, which became a subject of debate in administrative circles1213.

While Murali maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, it is known that he has a supportive family. He once made news for choosing a government hospital for his daughter’s delivery, underscoring his belief in public institutions and setting an example for others in public service10.

Akunuri Murali’s legacy is defined by:

: His outspoken stance on caste discrimination has brought attention to systemic issues within the civil services9 1213.
: Murali’s work in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continues to benefit thousands of students, especially from underprivileged backgrounds36.
: Known for his honesty and commitment, Murali is respected across political and social spectrums114.

: Murali served as an advisor to the government of Laos through the World Bank, showcasing his global perspective on governance3.
: He managed the South Asia Poverty Alleviation Project, working with the United Nations to address poverty at a regional level3.
: Even after retirement, Murali remains a leading voice for educational reform, currently chairing the Telangana Education Commission23.
: He made headlines for opting for a government hospital for his daughter’s delivery, highlighting his trust in public healthcare10.
: Murali is active on social media, using platforms to share his views on education, governance, and social justice15.
: His name has been floated for several prestigious roles, including the TSPSC Chairperson8.
: Murali has consistently involved local communities in school development projects, emphasizing participatory governance6.

Question	Answer
	Akunuri Murali is a retired IAS officer from Telangana, known for his work in education reform and social justice advocacy13.
	As of 2024, he is the Chairperson of the Telangana Education Commission23.
Why did he retire early from the IAS?	Murali cited discrimination in postings and lack of meaningful work, particularly towards officers from marginalized communities9 1213.
What are his key contributions?	Major reforms in school infrastructure, educational policy, rural poverty alleviation, and advocacy for marginalized groups36.
Was he involved in any controversies?	Yes, including public criticism of government projects, outspoken views on caste discrimination, and comments on traditional diets for tribal communities10 1213.
	Yes, as an advisor to the Laos government and with the UNDP on poverty alleviation3.
Is he active in public life after retirement?	Absolutely. Murali continues to influence policy and public discourse, especially in education23.

Akunuri Murali’s journey from a committed civil servant to a leading reformer and advocate for equity stands as a powerful example of integrity, courage, and vision in Indian public life. His ongoing work ensures that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Comments

Anonymous8:15 PM
Till date, onset of social media, we haven't properly educated our children in order to protect the Damacratic system, our culture might have some Descrepencies but opportunity to correct it. ,nobody have any objections on it ,and some people also have fighting a lot for correction on it just Like Rabeendra Nath Tagore, Raja Ram Mohan Rai,kandukuri Veeresha lingam panthulu and Mahatma Gandhi etc based on it we have Design New constitution for governing the country and justice for the poor is ensured in it ,ultimately we had to take care on Gajwa E Hind,SDPI,PFI who are always busy to make the country as a Islamic Monorchy, please to take the opportunity to study in depth of ,and on it
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