Why Rajasthan is looking for a new DGP
In a sudden move, the Rajasthan government appointed its Director General of Police, Utkal Ranjan Sahoo, as chairperson of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). While the choice of Sahoo's successor as DGP will greatly impact the perception of Bhajan Lal Sharma's BJP government among the masses, his shift to the helm of the RPSC is expected to lend some badly needed credibility to the institution marred by the arrests of its member Babul Lal Katara and former member Ramu Ram Naika for allegedly taking bribes to get some candidates selected, besides paper leaks and delays in exams and results.Sahoo fills the top slot at the RPSC that had been vacant since Sanjay Shrotriya, a 'promotee' IPS officer, finished his tenure. This post is often held by retired IAS and IPS officers. As the integrity of the officers has not always been unquestionable, the RPSC's credibility has nose-dived over the years.advertisementSahoo's luck took a turn for the better after the change of government in December 2023 as Ashok Gehlot's erstwhile Congress government had superseded him by appointing Umesh Mishra, a year junior to him, in 2022 as DGP for a minimum two-year term. When the BJP came to power, Mishra was asked to take voluntary retirement (VRS), which he immediately did, making way for Sahoo's appointment as DGP. Sahoo was DG (Home Guards) at that time.In 2020, the Gehlot government had similarly asked then DGP Bhupendra Yadav, its own appointee, to take VRS and become the RPSC chairperson, making way for M.L. Lather as DGP. Lather, on superannuation, was appointed as Information Commissioner by the Gehlot government and later the BJP government elevated him as Chief Information Commissioner.
Sahoo has described checking paper leaks as his challenge and priority. He also refused to defer the Rajasthan Administrative Services Examination—a demand of some candidates who cited lack of preparations due to Operation Sindoor duties. Sahoo, who gets over a year in RPSC, had seven months to go as DGP, making some wonder why he was moved out to a post that some other officers were reportedly expecting. Being a man of few words, some say Sahoo was unable to leave much of an impression as DGP. Others say the shift was to get a tried-and-tested officer as RPSC chairperson to restore its credibility, and also to bring a good replacement as DGP.advertisementWho is chosen as the next DGP will have a lot of impact on CM Sharma's image. His government has reportedly sent a list of nine officers, who have completed 30 years in service, to the commission, which will choose a panel of three. The seniormost, Rajeev K. Sharma of the 1990 batch, is posted as DG (Bureau of Police Research and Development). He was appointed as DG (Anti-Corruption Bureau), a coveted post, in February 2024, but the very next month, his name was cleared for central deputation. After him comes Rajesh Nirwan (1992 batch), DG (Bureau of Aviation Security), Delhi, and then Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (1992 batch), DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan, a post given to a trusted officer. Agarwal was close to former CM Vasundhara Raje too, besides being Commissioner of Police in Jaipur. There are also 1993 and 1994 batch officers on the list—some are considered political heavyweights, others are said to be good on merit.Much will depend on the panel the commission chooses and then whom among them CM Sharma picks up. Though Rajeev K. Sharma leads the race, the lobbies working against him are citing caste equations to point out that both the chief secretary and the chief minister are also Brahmins. However, many believe caste does not matter in top posts where delivery matters. And Sharma definitely scores well on both merit and seniority. Besides, it is UPSC that draws the final panel based on seniority and quantified merit.advertisementMoreover, Ravi Prakash Meharda, the acting DGP who is also DG (ACB), is retiring by the end of June and the CM has an option to appoint his successor from any of contenders for DGP who have enough time before retirement to be considered the next time. If CM Sharma pulls a surprise, however, it will have to be weighed with the risk to his government's image, and discontent among rank and file, while also revealing his strategy of governance.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
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