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Arun Dev Gautam Appointed Full-Time Chhattisgarh DGP

By
LO Bureau
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The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday (May 16, 2026) appointed senior IPS officer Arun Dev Gautam (IPS:1992:CG) as the state’s full-time Director General of Police (DGP), bringing an end to his nearly 17-month stint as acting police chief.

A 1992-batch IPS officer, Gautam has had a long policing career spanning administrative, field and security assignments. Prior to taking over as acting DGP, he was serving as Home Secretary and also held additional charge of prisons, transport, home guards and fire services.

Originally from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Gautam holds an MA in Political Science and an MPhil in International Law from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He joined the Indian Police Service in 1992 and initially served in the undivided Madhya Pradesh cadre before becoming part of the Chhattisgarh cadre following the creation of the state in 2000.

During his career, he served as Superintendent of Police in several districts, including Koriya, Raigarh, Jashpur, Rajnandgaon, Sarguja and Bilaspur. He also handled critical responsibilities in Bastar following the 2013 Jhiram attack and served in important positions in CID, police headquarters, administration and chief minister security.

Gautam is also a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, the Indian Police Medal and the United Nations Medal for his service in conflict-affected Kosovo.

Dr Raju Narayana Swamy Urges Youth to Lead with Courage, Integrity and Human Values

By
LO Bureau
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Raju Narayan Swamy IAS

Dr Raju Narayana Swamy, IAS officer popularly known as Kerala’s anti-corruption crusader and firebrand administrator, called upon young people to embrace courage, integrity and strong values while addressing a programme titled ‘Youth for Bharath’ held in Bengaluru.

Speaking on the theme “Leadership through Courage and Integrity” at an event organised by Samanvaya, Dr Swamy described youth as the most vibrant phase of life filled with energy, enthusiasm and possibilities. He emphasised that leadership is not about holding positions but about taking meaningful action.

“Leadership is action, not position,” he said, adding that every generation should create stronger foundations for the next generation to build upon as a matter of right.

Drawing inspiration from spiritual teachings and scriptures, Dr Swamy quoted Swami Vivekananda, saying India needs individuals with determination, strength and unwavering willpower capable of overcoming challenges and discovering the deeper purpose of life.

He also referred to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s views on children, saying every child possesses unique potential and abilities waiting to be recognised and nurtured.

Highlighting the need to balance scientific advancement with moral and human values, Dr Swamy stressed that science without humanism loses its true purpose. He urged youth to combine knowledge with compassion and ethical values while contributing to society.

Concluding his address, he cited another well-known quote of Swami Vivekananda, encouraging young people to dedicate themselves completely to a chosen goal and pursue it with full commitment.

The event was held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, Palace Road, Ambedkar Veedhi, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru.

REC Limited Commits ₹1.40 Crore for Smart Learning Labs in Haryana Government Schools

By
LO Bureau
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Gurugram, May 14, 2026: REC Limited has committed financial assistance of ₹1.40 Crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for implementation of the ‘Green Innovator Immersive Learning Lab’ project in 10 Government Schools of Karnal District, Haryana. The project will be executed by I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in this regard was signed on 14 May 2026 at REC Corporate Office, Gurugram, between Arun Kumar Tyagi, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited and Ashutosh Dutt Sharma, CEO, IHFC (IIT Delhi).

The initiative aims to enhance experiential learning among school students through immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), 3D learning tools, and STEM-based education modules. The project will also focus on developing future-ready skills including coding, robotics, innovation, and digital literacy among students studying in Government Schools.

This collaboration reaffirms REC Limited’s commitment towards strengthening the education ecosystem and empowering young minds with advanced technological exposure to prepare them for the evolving digital future.

Centre strengthens NTA setup with 4 key appointments amid exam reform push

By
LO Bureau
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In a significant move amid continued efforts to strengthen the examination system following the NEET controversy and concerns over exam integrity, the Central government has approved the appointment of four senior officers to key positions in the National Testing Agency (NTA).

According to separate orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Friday (May 16, 2026), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointments of two Joint Secretaries and two Joint Directors in the NTA under the Department of Higher Education.

The officers appointed as Joint Secretaries are:

  1. Anuja Bapat (ISS:1998) – appointed as Joint Secretary, NTA, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
  2. Ruchita Vij (IRS-C&IT:2004) – appointed as Joint Secretary, NTA, for a period of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The officers appointed as Joint Directors are:

  1. Akash Jain (IRS-IT:2013) – appointed as Joint Director in NTA on a lateral shift basis for a tenure up to December 4, 2029, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
  2. Aditya Rajendra Bhoigadhiya (IA&AS:2013) – appointed as Joint Director in NTA under the Central Staffing Scheme on a lateral shift basis for a tenure up to May 16, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The appointments come at a time when the National Testing Agency remains under increased focus after the controversy surrounding the NEET examination. The Centre has been taking several steps aimed at strengthening administrative systems, improving transparency and enhancing institutional mechanisms within the examination body.

Tamil Nadu transfers 6 IAS officers; Pradeep Yadav moved to IT Department

By
LO Bureau
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The Tamil Nadu government on Friday (May 15, 2026) issued transfer and posting orders for six IAS officers, affecting departments including Information Technology, Agriculture, Cooperatives and Textiles.

The names of the officers and their new postings are as follows:

  1. Pradeep Yadav (IAS:1992:TN), Additional Chief Secretary/formerly Secretary to then Deputy Chief Minister, has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Information Technology and Digital Services Department.
  2. TN Venkatesh (IAS:2001:TN), Principal Secretary/Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department.
  3. Dr P Shankar (IAS:2006:TN), former Secretary, Higher Education Department, has been transferred and posted Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary, Agriculture-Farmers Welfare Department.
  4. G Latha (IAS:2007:TN), Commissioner, Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute, has been transferred and posted as Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
  5. B Gayathri Krishnan (IAS:2013:TN), on return from leave, has been posted as Director (Society Security Schemes), Office of the Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management.
  6. Deepak Jacob (IAS:2014:TN), Director, Survey and Settlement, has been transferred and placed his services at disposal of GUIDANCE for appointment as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Office.

Tamil Nadu reshuffles 21 officers; 9 IAS and 12 IPS given new assignments

By
LO Bureau
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The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday (May 14, 2026) carried out a major administrative and police reshuffle by issuing transfer and posting orders for 21 senior officers, including nine IAS officers and 12 IPS officers.

The reshuffle affected several important departments including Industries, Higher Education, Tourism, Information and Public Relations, Intelligence and Police Training. Key changes include the posting of Dr S Vijayakumar as Additional Chief Secretary of Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, while V Arun Roy has been moved to Higher Education Department. In the police administration, Rajeev Kumar has been posted as DGP, Training, while several officers have been shifted to intelligence and security-related positions.

IAS officers transferred:

  1. Dr S Vijayakumar (IAS:1993:TN), Additional Chief Secretary/Commissioner, Land Reforms, has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department.
  2. V Arun Roy (IAS:2003:TN), Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Higher Education Department.
  3. Dr N Subbaiyan (IAS:2007:TN), former Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.
  4. R Jaya (IAS:1995:TN), Additional Chief Secretary, Special Initiatives Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional Chief Secretary/Chief Resident Commissioner, Tamil Nadu House, New Delhi.
  5. Dr M S Shanmugam (IAS:2002:TN), former Secretary-II to the then Chief Minister, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner, Tourism with additional charge of Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
  6. Dr A Arun Thamburaj (IAS:2013:TN), District Collector, Salem district, has been transferred and posted as Director, Information and Public Relations and ex-officio Additional Secretary, Tamil Development and Information Department.
  7. K Elambahavath (IAS:2016:TN), formerly District Collector, Thoothukudi, has been transferred and posted as District Collector, Salem.
  8. Dr R Brindha Devi (IAS:2016:TN), formerly District Collector, Salem, has been transferred and posted as Director of Art and Culture.
  9. Dr P Umanath (IAS:2001:TN), Principal Secretary/formerly Secretary-I to the then Chief Minister, has been placed at the disposal of Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation for appointment as Principal Secretary/Chairman and Managing Director.

IPS officers transferred:

  1. Rajeev Kumar (IPS:1994:TN), DGP/CVO, Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federations Ltd., Chennai, has been transferred and posted as DGP, Training, Oonamancherry, Chennai.
  2. S Davidson Devasirvatham (IPS:1995:TN), DGP, on compulsory wait, has been posted as DGP/CVO, Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federations Ltd., Chennai.
  3. Dr K A Senthil Velan (IPS:2004:TN), IGP, on compulsory wait, has been posted as IGP/Additional Director, Tamil Nadu Police Academy, Oonamancherry, Chennai.
  4. Dr G Dharmaraj (IPS:2009:TN), DIG, Vellore Range, Vellore, has been transferred as DIG, Intelligence (Security), Chennai.
  5. Pakerla Cephas Kalyan (IPS:2009:TN), DIG/Joint Commissioner of Police, Law & Order, South Zone, Greater Chennai Police, has been transferred and posted as DIG, Intelligence (Internal Security), Chennai.
  6. P Saravanan (IPS:2012:TN), DIG, Tirunelveli Range, Tirunelveli, has been transferred and posted as DIG, CID Intelligence, Chennai.
  7. Garad Karun Uddhavrao (IPS:2020:TN), SP, Thiruvarur, has been transferred as SP, Organised Crime Intelligence Unit, Chennai.
  8. A Myilvaganan (IPS), SP, Tenkasi, has been transferred as SP-I, Special Branch CID, Chennai.
  9. Dr C Madhan (IPS:2022:TN), SP, Thoothukudi, has been transferred as SP-I, Security Branch CID, Chennai.
  10. K Shanmugam (IPS), SP, Q Branch CID, Chennai, has been transferred and posted as SP-II, Special Branch CID, Chennai.
  11. GS Madhavan (IPS), SP, Metro Zone, Crime Branch CID, Chennai, has been transferred and posted as SP-II, Security Branch CID, Chennai.
  12. N Silambarasan (IPS), SP/Assistant IG, Law & Order, Chennai, has been transferred and posted as SP, Special Division, Special Branch CID, Chennai.

DoPT introduces hybrid work model with WFH and travel curbs

By
LO Bureau
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DoPT's austerity measures

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has taken an austerity measure by introducing a hybrid work model, authorising “Work From Home” (WFH) for some employees for up to two days per week, while mandating at least 50% staff presence in offices.

The government has issued an Office Memorandum permitting limited Work From Home (WFH) for staff under the Capacity Building Commission (CBC).

The order also restricts the organisation of physical meetings, workshops, and events both within and outside Delhi and advising officials to conduct all meetings through video conferencing or online platforms wherever possible to minimise physical travel and gatherings.

Pillar Heads have been instructed to prepare a roster allowing WFH for up to two days per week, while ensuring that at least 50% of employees remain present in office at all times.

While encouraging online meetings and virtual collaboration to maintain operational continuity, these instructions will remain in effect until further notice.

The memorandum further directs that employees working from home must remain accessible by telephone and be prepared to report to office at short notice if required. It also emphasises that all assigned tasks must be completed within deadlines while maintaining operational efficiency.

Any deviation from these guidelines on functional grounds will require prior approval from the Secretary, Capacity Building Commission (CBC).

The memo states that these rules must be followed by all CBC staff and will remain operational until further orders are issued by the central government.

CBI graft case against aide puts vigilance chief’s DGP candidature under scrutiny

By
LO Bureau
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Sharad Satya Chauhan IPS

A corruption case filed by the CBI against the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) chief’s reader and alleged middlemen is threatening to ruin the VB chief Sharad Satya Chauhan (IPS:1992:PB)’s chances to become the chief of the state police force. Chauhan is currently the senior-most contender for the DGP post.

It all started after the CBI lodged an FIR against OP Rana, reader to the DGP (Vigilance), along with private individuals Raghav Goyal and Vikas Goyal over alleged bribery linked to the disposal of a vigilance complaint.

Interestingly, the FIR does not name IPS officer Sharad Satya Chauhan as an accused, but the CBI’s verification report and the FIR mention his name in connection with the allegations.

As per CBI sources, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 13 lakh from complainant Amit Kumar, a State Tax Officer from Abohar, purportedly on behalf of public servants, including OP Rana and the DGP (Vigilance), for closing a pending complaint.

The FIR further alleged that the two private contractors acted as intermediaries for Sharad Satya Chauhan and his reader while seeking illegal gratification in exchange for favourable action in the case.

The development has gained widespread attension because Chauhan is the senior-most officer in contention for the DGP post. Plus, his name is also included in a panel of 14 IPS officers sent to the UPSC by the state govt recently. The UPSC is expected to shortlist three names out of which one will be named as the regular DGP.

The latest CBI action is likely to raise questions over how the UPSC assesses Chauhan’s candidature, especially after his reader was booked in the graft case.

Chauhan, however, denied any involvement in wrongdoing and distanced himself from the alleged actions of his reader.

 

Who will be next Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh? KK Pant, OC Sharma are frontrunners

By
LO Bureau
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With officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta (IAS:1988:HP) set to retire on May 31, 2026, discussions have intensified in the administrative and secretariat circles of Himachal Pradesh over who will take over as the state’s next Chief Secretary.

Sources said the state government has begun assessing factors such as seniority, administrative experience and service record at both state and central levels before taking a final decision on the appointment.

Among the key contenders is Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS:1993:HP), who is considered one of the strongest names in the race. Pant is currently the senior-most IAS officer in the cadre and is serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue)-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Additional Chief Secretary (Forest, Home & Vigilance), Financial Commissioner (Appeals), besides holding charge as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.

Another prominent name under consideration is Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP), who is presently serving as Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development). He is also holding additional charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation Ltd., Shimla.

According to the gradation list, Onkar Sharma is junior to his batchmate Anuradha Thakur (IAS:1994:HP). Thakur is placed at the second position in the gradation list, while Onkar Sharma is at the third position. However, Thakur is presently serving on central deputation as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and her return to the state cadre appears unlikely considering the importance of her current assignment.

Apart from Pant and Sharma, senior IAS officer Bharat Harbanslal Khera (IAS:1995:HP), who is currently on central deputation as Secretary, Ministry of MSME, is also being seen as a potential candidate for the state’s top bureaucratic position.

The final decision is expected in the coming weeks before Sanjay Gupta’s retirement at the end of May.

West Bengal govt suspends 3 IPS officers in RG Kar case

By
LO Bureau
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IPS Suspended in West Bengal

The West Bengal government on Friday (May 15, 2026) suspended three senior IPS officers — Vineet Goyal (IPS:1994:WB), Abhishek Gupta (IPS:2011:WB) and Indira Mukherjee (IPS:2013:WB) — in connection with alleged lapses in the handling of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case.

According to the state government, the action followed a fact-finding inquiry conducted by the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. The officers are facing allegations related to mishandling of the initial investigation and other procedural lapses.

Vineet Goyal, who was Kolkata Police Commissioner at the time of the incident, is currently serving as Director General and Inspector General of Police, Intelligence Branch. Abhishek Gupta is presently posted as Commanding Officer, Eastern Frontier Rifles (2nd Battalion), while Indira Mukherjee is serving as Special Superintendent, CID, West Bengal.

The state government has also initiated departmental proceedings against the three officers.

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