In a striking case of prolonged unauthorized absence, Ch Ravi, a deputy executive engineer from Telangana’s Roads and Buildings Department, is facing disciplinary action after spending nearly two decades working in the United States. Although Ravi initially took authorized leave, he repeatedly failed to return to his post after his initial tenure expired. Despite being off the payroll and suspended for years, he remained officially on the government roster until authorities recently decided to initiate formal proceedings to terminate his employment. This situation has prompted the state to tighten its policies, enforcing stricter rules that categorize employees absent for over a year—or those exceeding five years of total leave—as effectively abandoned, triggering immediate suspension.

This incident highlights the broader trend of massive migration from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to the United States. With the Telugu-speaking population in the U.S. ballooning to roughly 1.5 million—marking one of the largest regional diasporas in the country—the cultural and economic ties between the regions continue to deepen. As U.S.-India diplomatic relations flourish, marked by increased investment in sectors like aerospace and defense, the government is moving to ensure that its administrative workforce remains accountable. Moving forward, the state’s clear stance serves as a stern reminder that official government positions cannot be held indefinitely while pursuing private careers abroad.