From Maternity Leave Controversy to History-Making: Srijana Gummalla Becomes First Commissioner of Cyberabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has officially divided the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into three separate civic bodies: GHMC, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), and Malakajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC). Senior IAS officer Srijana Gummalla has been appointed as the first Commissioner of the newly formed Cyberabad Municipal Corporation, marking a historic milestone in the state’s administrative history.

A New Chapter Begins
Assuming charge as the inaugural Commissioner of CMC, Srijana shared photographs on social media and pledged to build a strong, responsive, and citizen-centric organization committed to delivering the highest quality public services.

Gained Spotlight in 2020 for Exceptional Dedication
Srijana first came into the public eye in 2020 for her extraordinary dedication. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she reportedly canceled her maternity leave and returned to office just 20 days after giving birth, carrying her newborn in her arms while performing her official duties. Her actions and photos quickly went viral, earning her widespread admiration for her commitment and sense of duty. When asked why she returned so soon despite being eligible for six months of maternity leave, she explained that her decision was motivated by the pressing public service needs during the pandemic.

Family and Education Background
Born on 24 April 1985 in Hyderabad, Srijana hails from a family with a strong administrative legacy. Her father, Balaramaiya Gummalla, was also an IAS officer, while her mother, Suguna, supported the family. Srijana completed her BA in Psychology from Osmania University in 2005 and then earned an MA in Political Science from the University of Hyderabad, where she topped her class and received a gold medal. She later pursued a PhD at V University, Tirupati, and worked as an education management consultant at the Dr. Reddy Foundation (2008–09).

Journey from AP State Service to UPSC
Following in her father’s footsteps, Srijana’s ultimate goal was to join the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). After clearing the APPSC Group-I exam, she served in the Health and Family Welfare Department as an administrative officer. In 2012, she appeared for the UPSC Civil Services exam and secured 44th rank in 2013, successfully launching her career in the IAS.

Personal Life
Srijana is married to Raviteja, a practicing lawyer in Andhra Pradesh. The couple actively shares glimpses of their personal and professional life on social media, reflecting a strong support system and partnership.

Srijana Gummalla’s journey from a mother managing office duties with a newborn to becoming the first Commissioner of Cyberabad Municipal Corporation exemplifies dedication, resilience, and trailblazing leadership in public service.