Khwairakpam Pratap Singh (IRPS:2000), currently serving as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), Shillong, has had his deputation tenure extended for an additional two years. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an order on Wednesday (29.11.2023), announcing that the competent authority has approved the proposal to extend Mr. Singh’s deputation tenure beyond January 3, 2024, up to January 3, 2026, or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.
Vikas Kumar Dubey returns to parent cadre
Vikas Kumar Dubey (ISS:2006), currently serving as the Director of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) at NITI Aayog, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an order on Wednesday (29.11.2023), indicating that the competent authority has given approval to the proposal made by DMEO, NITI Aayog. The repatriation aims to enable Dubey to avail the benefits of promotion in his parent cadre.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla gets addl. charge of Secretary, D/o Border Management
Ajay Kumar Bhalla (IAS:1984:AM), currently serving as the Home Secretary of the Government of India, has been given the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Border Management, with immediate effect. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an order on Wednesday (29.11.2023), stating that the competent authority has approved the assignment of the additional charge to Mr. Bhalla. This responsibility will be held by him until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.
Atal Dulloo (IAS:1989:AGMUT), who previously held the position of Secretary in the Department of Border Management before his repatriation to the parent cadre on November 20, has now taken on the role of Chief Secretary in Jammu and Kashmir as of November 28. Following his appointment, the position in the Department of Border Management has been left vacant.
Amit Garg gets extension as Acting Director of SVP NPA for another three months
Amit Garg (IPS:1993:AP), currently serving as the Additional Director at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVP NPA) in Hyderabad, has been granted an extension to continue holding the additional charge of the position of Director, SVP NPA. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday (28.11.2023) issued an order approving the extension, allowing Mr. Garg to retain the additional charge for a further three-month period.
The competent authority has sanctioned the extension beyond November 30, 2023, or until the appointment and joining of a regular incumbent, or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier. Notably, this marks the third consecutive three-month extension for Mr. Garg in this role.
Initially, he assumed the additional charge of the post of Director, SVP NPA for three months following the retirement of A Sema Rajan (IPS:1987:BH) on February 28. Subsequently, before the completion of the initial three-month period by May 31, he received his first three-month extension on May 29. The second extension for three months was granted on August 30, as his tenure was set to expire on August 31. Now, with this latest extension, Mr. Amit Garg will continue in his role for an additional three months.
Odisha: Naveen Patnaik’s ex-private secretary VK Pandian joins BJD
The Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik witnessed the formal inclusion of V K Pandian (IAS:2000:OD), a former IAS officer and close confidant, into the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday. The event took place at Naveen Niwas, with senior party leaders present, marking a significant political development in Odisha.
V K Pandian, who took voluntary retirement on October 23, holds considerable influence within the power circles of Odisha. Post his retirement, he was appointed as the chairman of Nabin Odisha and Vision 5T, flagship initiatives of the Patnaik government, with the rank of Cabinet minister.
The decision to induct Pandian into the BJD on Kartik Purnima, a day considered auspicious in Odisha, carries political weight. While the specific role and position Pandian will assume within the party are yet to be clarified, insiders suggest that his involvement will be pivotal in shaping the party’s campaign strategy and candidate selection for the upcoming Assembly and general elections in April-May next year.
There is speculation that Pandian might be granted a significant position within the BJD, potentially standing next to Naveen Patnaik, who has been the party’s president since December 26, 1997.
Notably, in March 2023, Pandian began attending public grievance meetings in various districts, ostensibly on the chief minister’s directives. During these visits, he actively engaged with the public, announced developmental schemes, and delivered speeches akin to political leaders, indicating a shift towards a more public role.
Uttarakhand: Abhinav Kumar appointed as new DGP
The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday (29.11.2023) appointed senior IPS officer Abhinav Kumar (IPS:1996:UK) to take on the additional responsibility of the Director General of Police (DGP). This move comes as the current DGP, Ashok Kumar (IPS:1989:UK), is scheduled to retire on November 30. Abhinav Kumar, who is presently serving as ADGP (Intelligence & Security), will assume the additional charge of DGP in Uttarakhand.
Also Read: Uttarakhand’s Enigmatic DGP Succession: A Puzzling Predicament
Also Read: UPSC amends guidelines for appointment of DGP
J&K: Atal Dulloo appointed new Chief Secretary
Senior IAS officer Atal Dulloo (IAS:1989:AGMUT) has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, stepping into the role currently held by Arun Kumar Mehta (IAS:1988:AGMUT), who is set to retire on November 30.
As per an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Atal Dulloo will officially assume the position of Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir starting from December 1. The order states, “Consequent upon the superannuation of Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS, on 30.11.2023, and on repatriation from central deputation, Atal Dulloo, IAS is hereby appointed as Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, with effect from 01.12.2023, or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later and until further orders. This issues with the approval of the competent authority.”
Notably, Atal Dulloo was repatriated to his Union Territories cadre on November 20 by the Central government after serving as the secretary of the Department of Border Management under the Home Ministry. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has granted approval for Dulloo’s return to his parent cadre, based on the request from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Supreme Court allows six-month extension for Delhi CS
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted approval for the Central government to extend the tenure of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar (IAS:1987:AGMUT) by six months, beyond the initially scheduled end date of November 30.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that the Centre’s decision did not violate the Constitutional distribution of powers. It emphasized that the Centre holds the authority to extend the tenure of the Chief Secretary, particularly in matters concerning police, land, and public order, which fall beyond the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.
The court clarified that its decision was a “prima facie view,” and a more comprehensive evaluation of the legal and constitutional principles involved would be conducted by a five-judge constitution bench.
This development transpired a day after the Central government informed the Supreme Court of its intention to extend Naresh Kumar’s tenure for a limited period. In response to the court’s query about the legal basis for the extension, the Solicitor General, representing the Centre, clarified that the extension was temporary and that a new appointment would be made.
Also Read: SC questions Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar’s proposed tenure extension
The three-judge bench had pressed the Solicitor General to specify the legal authority under which the Chief Secretary’s tenure was extended, suggesting the presentation of relevant laws or the consideration of a fresh appointment. However, the Solicitor General assured the bench that the extension was temporary and limited.
The Centre had been given until Wednesday to provide grounds justifying the six-month extension of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar’s tenure.
Centre asserts authority to extend Chief Secretary tenure, justifies decision in Naresh Kumar’s case before SC
The Central Government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it possesses the authority to extend the tenure of the Chief Secretary by six months, citing its intention to apply this extension to the current Delhi Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar (IAS:1987:AGMUT). This response followed the Supreme Court’s request on Tuesday for the Centre to clarify the legal basis for such an extension.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, emphasized the national significance of Delhi and stated, “Delhi is the capital of the nation, and the central government is of the view that Naresh Kumar, who is scheduled to retire on November 30, should continue for six months.” He further clarified that rules permit an extension of no more than six months.
The Supreme Court is currently addressing a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government, challenging the Centre’s decision to prolong Naresh Kumar’s tenure or appoint a new official without consulting the Delhi government.
ITBP DG Anish Dayal Singh gets addl. charge of DG, CRPF
Anish Dayal Singh (IPS:1988:MH), presently holding the position of Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been entrusted with an additional responsibility as the DG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). With the impending retirement of S.L. Thaosen (IPS:1988:MP) on November 30, 2023, Singh is set to assume this new role.
As per an official order from the Ministy of Home Affairs (MHA) issued on November 29, 2023, the Competent Authority has approved Singh’s appointment to the additional charge. He will hold this position until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders are issued, whichever occurs earlier. This move ensures a seamless transition in leadership at the CRPF, maintaining stability until a permanent successor is appointed.
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