The Director General of Police (DGP) of Himachal Pradesh Sanjay Kundu (IPS:1989:HP) is set to retire at the end of this month. The state government has begun the process to pick his successor and prepared a panel of three senior IPS officers for the consideration of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The panel consists of:
- Sanjiv Ranjan Ojha (IPS:1989:HP)
- Shyam Bhagat Negi (IPS:1990:HP)
- Dr Atul Verma (IPS:1991:HP)
Among these candidates, Sanjiv Ranjan Oja, currently serving as Director General (DG), Jail, is the most senior and is being seen as a likely choice. However, selecting a top-level position can be complex, with factors that impact both the state and the incumbent state government.
A key question is whether the state government will prioritize seniority or choose a candidate based on other factors, even if it means superseding some officers.
The second candidate, Shyam Bhagat Negi (IPS:1990:HP), is on central deputation, serving as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India. The third candidate, Dr. Atul Verma (IPS:1991:HP), is reportedly a strong contender, currently serving as Director General (DG), CID, and approaching the position with some momentum, according to insider sources.
Since the code of conduct is implemented throughout the country due to the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the state government will soon seek permission from the Election Commission regarding the appointment of the new DGP.
