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West Bengal passes new rules for DGP appointment

By
LO Bureau
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Indian Police Service

West Bengal has moved to reshape the process for appointing its Director General of Police (DGP). According to reports, the state government has passed new rules that will allow it to bypass the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in selecting its police chief.

Under the revised procedure, a selection committee led by a retired High Court judge will be responsible for appointing the DGP. Other members of the committee will include the Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, and additional senior officials. The new rules eliminate the earlier requirement of sending a list of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the UPSC, which would then shortlist three names for the state government to choose from.

Sources indicate that the new framework is inspired by a 2006 Supreme Court verdict on police reforms, stemming from a petition filed by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh. The judgment recommended that states constitute independent selection panels for DGP appointments.

The new regulations could pave the way for the formal appointment of Rajeev Kumar as the permanent DGP for a two-year term. Kumar, who was named acting DGP in December 2023 after being removed from his post by the Election Commission during the polls, was reinstated to the role after the elections by the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

West Bengal is not alone in this move. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab passed the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to revise key provisions of the Punjab Police Act, 2007, concerning DGP appointments. That bill was sent to the Governor and subsequently forwarded to the President for consideration. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh implemented new rules last year, while the Jharkhand government announced in January that it would also form a selection committee for appointing its police chief.

CAT sets deadline for DoPT to reallocate IAS officer Siva Sankar Lotheti to Andhra Pradesh

By
LO Bureau
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In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Hyderabad has set a four-week deadline for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to comply with its earlier directive to reallocate IAS officer Siva Sankar Lotheti (IAS:2013) to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.

The directive came while the tribunal was hearing a contempt petition filed by Siva Sankar, who alleged non-compliance with CAT’s earlier order dated February 28, 2025. In that order, the tribunal had directed the DoPT to consider his Andhra Pradesh domicile and reassign him to the Andhra Pradesh cadre as an insider. The CAT had asked the ministry to issue appropriate orders and communicate the same to the officer within four weeks of receiving the judgment.

A bench comprising Judicial Member Dr. Lata Baswaraj Patne and Administrative Member Varun Sindhu Kul Kaumudi on Wednesday warned the DoPT to ensure full compliance and to submit proof of compliance before the tribunal by June 5. The bench cautioned that failure to implement the order would invite contempt proceedings against the concerned authorities.

For a first in Kerala, disciplinary hearing against IAS officer Prasanth to be audio-visually recorded and streamed

By
LO Bureau
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N Prasanth IAS

In an unprecedented development, a disciplinary hearing against an IAS officer will be audio-visually recorded and streamed in Kerala. The state government agreed to it following a request by suspended IAS officer N Prasanth against whom disciplinary proceedings are to take place on April 16.

Also Read: 2 Kerala IAS officers suspended for creating storm by social media

Further adding to the unusual nature of the proceedings is the decision for Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan to personally conduct the hearing. A govt-appointed designated officer has been normally presiding over such matters. Chief secretary’s direct involvement signals the gravity and sensitivity of the case.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer to take legal action against govt order

A 2007-batch IAS officer, Prasanth had objected to the manner in which the disciplinary process against him was being handled. He had raised the issue of constitutional rights, whistleblower protection and administrative fairness.

Also Read: Fight among Kerala bureaucrats now out in the open

According to Prasanth, the disciplinary action stems from social media interactions between individuals and doesn’t involve any violation of conduct rules. He maintains that charges against him are vague, based on unverified digital records and lack the support of any formal complaint. In his submissions, he claimed that no personal harm was alleged by anyone and that the disciplinary authority initiated proceedings on its own, allegedly under the influence of senior bureaucrats with whom he had differences.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer now seeks explanation from CS

Prasanth had been suspended for posting derogatory remarks about his two colleagues-A Jayathilak, a 1991-batch officer and, K Gopalakrishnan, a 2013-batch officers and later described the suspension order as procedurally and legally flawed. He even accused the two officers of orchestrating the proceedings against him to settle personal scores.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer Prasanth seeks access to digital files

Prasanth virtually wants the public viewing of the proceedings against him and has asked for a copy of the full recording to maintain procedural fairness.

If his demand is accepted it could set a new precedent in administrative accountability within the All India Services framework.

Also Read: Kerala: IAS officer K Gopalkrishnan reinstated, N Prasanth’s suspension extended

Gujarat: 16 IAS officers transferred; 5 Districts get new Collectors

By
LO Bureau
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The Gujarat government on Wednesday (09.04.2025) issued transfer and posting orders for 16 IAS officers across the state. A key highlight of the reshuffle was the appointment of new District Collectors in five districts.

The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;

  1. Dilip Kumar Rana (IAS:2007:GJ), Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner of Higher Education, Gandhinagar.
  2. Dr. NK Meena (IAS:2010:GJ), Director of Fisheries, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for appointment as Municipal Commissioner, Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, Bhavnagar.
  3. Tusharkumar Y Bhatt (IAS-SCS:2010), Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Patan.
  4. Manish Kumar (IAS:2013:GJ), Managing Director, Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd. Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Bhavnagar.
  5. Arun Mahesh Babu (IAS:2013:GJ), Managing Director, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd., Mehsana, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for appointment as Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara.
  6. RR Damor (IAS-SCS:2013), Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Joint Secretary, Climate Change Department.
  7. Arvind V (IAS:2014:GJ), Collector, Patan, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Science & Technology Department for appointment as Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Limited, Gandhinagar.
  8. Neha Kumari (IAS:2015:GJ), Collector, Mahisagar, has been transferred and her services are placed at the disposal of Science & Technology Department for appointment as Mission Director, Gujarat State Electronics Mission, Gandhinagar.
  9. Arpit Sagar (IAS:2015:GJ), Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Mahisagar.
  10. Shalini Duhan (IAS:2016:GJ), Joint Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, has been transferred and appointed as Collector, Dangs-Ahwa.
  11. Bhavya Verma (IAS:2016:GJ), Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Gandhi Nagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Valsad.
  12. Ganga Singh (IAS:2017:GJ), Managing Director, Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara.
  13. Manish Gurwani (IAS:2017:GJ), Mission Director, Gujarat State Electronics Mission, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Rajkot.
  14. Gaurav Dinesh Ramesh (IAS:2017:GJ), Director, Higher Education, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Surat Municipal Corporation, Surat.
  15. Surabhi Gautam (IAS:2017:GJ), Joint Managing Director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Gandhinagar, has been transferred and her services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Vadodara.
  16. Dr. Prashant Jilova (IAS:2017:GJ), Additional Industries Commissioner, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Ahmedabad.

Ruchika Rishi appointed Additional Director in Wildlife Crime Control Bureau

By
LO Bureau
-

IPS officer Ruchika Rishi (IPS:2004:SK), currently serving as Inspector General/Director, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), has been appointed as Additional Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday (08.04.2025), the competent authority for appointment of Ms. Rishi to the post on deputation basis, from the date of assumption of charge of the post and till completion of her combined deputation tenure of 05 years i.e. 09.04.2028 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Ajay Kumar Shrivastava selected as Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL

By
LO Bureau
-
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Ajay Kumar Shrivastava has been selected for appointment as Director (Engineering, Research & Development), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on April 09, 2025. Presently, he is serving as Executive Director (ARDC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

He will be appointed to the post of Director (Engineering, Research & Development) after receiving vigilance clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

The following 09 applicants were interviewed in the selection meeting:

  1. Satyanarayana Muthaluri, Chief Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer(Accessories Complex), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  2. Shishir Kumar Patra, Executive Director, AMD, HAL Nasik, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  3. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Executive Director (ARDC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  4. Jasbir Singh, Executive Director, HAL Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre, Bangalore, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  5. Arup Kumar Mallick, General Manager (CS & QA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  6. M Balaji, General Manager (Aerospace), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  7. M Abdul Salam, General Manager, LCA-Tejas Division, HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  8. Shrirang Anilrao Kothe, Executive Director (Sukhoi Engine Division), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  9. PB Ranga Rao, Executive Director, Helicopter Division, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Delhi caught in war of supremacy between DASS and DANICS cadre officers

By
LO Bureau
-

Delhi is deadlocked in an ensuing war of supremacy between two cadres of IAS officers – DASS and DANICS. The dispute is over 217 posts. DASS cadre officers lay their claim to these posts while DANICS officials say these posts are meant for them.

Now this fight has reached the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The association of DASS (Delhi Administration Subordinate Service) officers has written to the MHA seeking its intervention in the matter.

The letter, written by DASS Officers Association president Pradeep Kumar Mishra, argues that senior officers of the cadre have been waiting for promotions for years and are due to retire shortly so justice should be done to them. Besides, everything has been processed.

But, DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) officials are staunchly opposing this demand.

Virtually this fight has root in a decision of the High Court in 2023, which allowed the creation of 217 new posts for promoted DASS cadre officers. The DANICS officers had moved a petition in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) against the HC order saying these posts had been created for their cadre. Since then, the matter has been pending. Whatever be the outcome, in the midst of this whole controversy, the plans of the Delhi’s newly-formed Rekha Gupta government may get adversely affected.

Odisha: Manoj Kumar Parida appointed Chief Information Commissioner

By
LO Bureau
-

The Odisha government on Wednesday (09.04.2025) appointed retired IAS officer Manoj Kumar Parida (Retd. IAS:1986:AGMUT) as the new Chief Information Commissioner of the Odisha Right to Information (RTI) Commission.

Parida retired from the Government of India in February 2022 as Secretary, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention. He also served as Advisor to the Administrator of Chandigarh. Over the course of his distinguished career, he held several key assignments both in his cadre and at the Centre.

Alongside Parida, three others have been appointed as Information Commissioners: retired IPS officer Pranabindu Acharya, High Court advocate Kalpana Pattnaik, and retired IAS officer Pabitra Mandal.

The Odisha State Information Commission, a statutory and autonomous body, was constituted under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Its core responsibilities include hearing appeals on RTI responses by public authorities, investigating complaints related to the denial of information, and reviewing annual RTI compliance reports submitted by government departments.

Haryana: IAS officer Sonal Goel writes to CS for personal hearing

By
LO Bureau
-

After being denied the vigilance clearance needed for her voluntary retirement, IAS officer Sonal Goel has written to Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi for personal hearing.

A 2008-batch IAS officer of the Tripura cadre, Goel is facing investigations in multi-crore scam registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Haryana. It was during her deputation in Haryana when the alleged scam took place.

According to the ACB, after demitting the office of Commissioner of Faridabad Municipal Corporation she served as DC, Jhajjar, in October 2017, when she “fraudulently got prepared/generated forged and fictitious documents showing execution of 112 works of repair and maintenance of the value of Rs 4.90 crore” and “similarly for 28 works of the value of Rs. 1.76 crores”.

It is said to be the reason why her application for voluntary retirement was not accepted by the DoPT as Haryana government did not give its clearance. She applied for voluntary retirement around 1.5 years back.

In her latest communication, she has requested the Chief Secretary for personal hearing saying, “it has already been more than 1.5 years since she applied for voluntary retirement.”

The fact is: the DoPT had been intimated by the Haryana government about its permission to investigate Goel under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Goel then moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against it but the court refused to interfere with the inquiry. It paved the way for withholding her vigilance clearance.

Goel had raised the point that she could not be denied vigilance clearance as no chargesheet was served within three months of investigation in her case.

Govt allows woman bureaucrats to choose children over husbands for family pension

By
LO Bureau
-
DoPT's austerity measures

In a landmark development, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has expanded the family pension rule allowing female government employees in the All India Services to nominate their children for family pensions instead of their husbands. The government has brought in alteration in the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, made in 2024, allowing female employees to designate their children (both sons and daughters) for the family pension. The purpose behind this change is to assist woman employees engaged in marital conflicts and are fighting court cases under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Rule 22 of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958 applies to the All India Services, such as the IAS, IPS, IFS and others. As per rule, family pension is granted to the spouse of a deceased member of service or pensioner. Only after the spouse becomes ineligible for family pension or passes away, do the children and other family members become eligible for family pension in succession.

The government had in January last year approved it in cases of family disputes in court. The DoPT has only extended these provisions.

The government’s benevolence does not stop here. It recently amended even its family pension rules in favour of divorced or separated daughters of the deceased employees by allowing them to claim their deceased father’s pension directly without requiring any legal implication.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh is said to have introduced this change in order to provide prompt financial assistance to women going through marital separation or divorce.

In yet another welcome decision, the government allows a widow without children to remarry while still obtaining her late husband’s pension, if her income is below the specified minimum pension threshold. These modifications are designed to safeguard women’s financial rights.

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