Home Blog Page 86

Union Home Secretary asks States to send more IPS on central deputation

By
LO Bureau
-
Home Secretary

Despite the Supreme Court’s order to progressively reduce deputation of IPS officers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan (IAS:1989:SK), has asked the States to send more IPS officers on Central deputation to fill middle to senior-level positions in the CAPFs and Central Police Organisations (CPOs). The letter was sent to the States in the first week of January.

While the CAPFs comprise the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB, the CPOs include the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).  

The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to “progressively reduce” the deputation of IPS officers in the senior administrative grade (SAG) or up to the rank of Inspector-General in the CAPFs through its ruling on May 23, 2025.  The Centre, on its part, filed a review petition against this order, but it was dismissed by the apex court on October 28, 2025.

At present about 20% of posts in the rank of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) and 50% of posts in the rank of Inspector-General (IG) in the CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers. The top court’s verdict meant a significant reduction in the IPS dominance in the CAPFs.

It also meant providing benefits to around 13,000 CAPF officers in getting faster promotions and overcoming issues of stagnation.  

The Home Secretary’s letter states that 40% of senior duty posts in each cadre are earmarked as Central Deputation Reserve.  The letter rues that some of the states/cadres do not send a sufficient number of nominations for Central deputation. Besides, the state governments in many cases send more names but do not propose the names for appointment to the posts of SP to IG. He wants the state govts to make a conscious attempt to forward the nominations of officers for deputation in such a manner that officers of different levels/ranks are adequately and proportionately represented. 

The Home Secretary reminded the States that the Union Govt follows the policy of debarring officers from Central deputation for five years if they do not join duty within one month of the issue of getting an appointment order, whether due to personal reasons or due to the State government’s refusal to relieve a particular officer.  

Himachal govt transfers 8 IAS officers; Gandharva Rathore is new DC of Hamirpur

By
LO Bureau
-
Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday (January 12, 2026) issued transfer and posting orders for eight IAS officers. Among the notable changes, A Shainamol has been given the additional charge of Divisional Commissioner, Shimla Division, while Gandharva Rathore has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner, District Hamirpur.

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

  1. A Shainamol (IAS:2007:HP), Secretary, Administrative Reforms, Training & FA and RPG, Shimla, who is holding the additional charge of the post of Secretary (Ayush), has been given the additional charge of the post of Divisional Commissioner, Shimla Division, Shimla.
  2. Vinod Kumar (IAS:2009:HP), Divisional Commissioner, Kangra Division, Dharamshala, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Technical Education, Shimla. He shall continue to hold the additional charge of the post of Divisional Commissioner, Kangra Division, Dharamshala.
  3. Amarjeet Singh (IAS:2010:HP), Deputy Commissioner, District Hamirpur, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Cooperation, Shimla.
  4. Gandharva Rathore (IAS:2016:HP), Special Secretary, Personnel, Shimla, who is holding the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts & Handloom Corporation, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, District Hamirpur.
  5. Dalip Kumar Negi (IAS:2018:HP), presently awaiting posting, has been posted as Special Secretary, State Taxes & Excise, with additional charge of Special Secretary, Industries & Home, Shimla.
  6. Divyanshu Singal (IAS:2020:HP), Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Project Director (DRDA), Shimla, who is holding the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation, has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts & Handloom Corporation. He shall continue to hold the additional charge of the post of Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation.
  7. Netra Moti (IAS:2021:HP), Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Palampur, District Kangra, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Palampur. She shall continue to hold the additional charge of the post of Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Palampur, District Kangra.
  8. Sachin Sharma (IAS:2022:HP), Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Amb, District Una, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Project Director (DRDA), Shimla.

Shalabh Mathur appointed Inspector General in CRPF

By
LO Bureau
-
Shalabh Mathur IPS

Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer Shalabh Mathur (IPS:2006:UP) has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the competent authority has approved his appointment to the post on the usual terms and conditions of central deputation.

Shalabh Mathur is currently serving as IG (Karmik) at the DGP Headquarters. Notably, on the first day of the New Year 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government had issued a No Objection Certificate for his central deputation.

It has, therefore, been requested that Shalabh Mathur be relieved immediately to enable him to take up his new assignment at the Centre.

Deepak Hilori appointed Director, Vigilance (Police) in Railway Board

By
LO Bureau
-
Deepak Hilori IPS

IPS officer Deepak Hilori (IPS:2011:PB) has been appointed as Director, Vigilance (Police) in the Railway Board in the DIG grade. According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, his appointment is on a deputation basis on the usual terms, effective from the date he assumes charge of the post. The tenure will be for the remaining period of his central deputation, that is, up to December 25, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Hilori is currently serving as Zonal Director in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), a position he has held since December 26, 2023. He was appointed to the post for a tenure of five years.

PESB recommends Valli Natrajan as Director (Projects) of IREDA

By
LO Bureau
-

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Valli Natrajan for appointment as Director (Projects) of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). The recommendation was made following interviews conducted by the PESB on January 13, 2026.

Valli Natrajan is currently serving as Executive Director at REC Limited. Her name will now be forwarded to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval, subject to vigilance clearance and completion of other procedural formalities.

The PESB interviewed a total of 11 candidates for the post. The list included:

  1. Sushant Kumar Dey, Executive Director (Projects), IREDA
  2. Bharat Singh Rajput, General Manager Projects, IREDA
  3. Manoj Kumar Rana, Executive Director, Power Finance Corporation Limited
  4. Valli Natarajan, Executive Director, REC Limited
  5. Kuldeep Rai, Executive Director (Renewable Energy), REC Limited
  6. Saurabh Rastogi, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, REC Power Development & Consultancy Limited
  7. Prabhat Kumar Singh, Executive Director (Engg.), REC Limited
  8. Satyender Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation), NMDC Limited
  9. Pravin Dongre, Executive Director (SD), Indian Oil Corporation Limited
  10. Ashutosh Gautam, Member (Technical) – Inland Waterways Authority of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping And Waterways
  11. Mahendar Kumar Kapoor, General Manager (Civil), Hpsebl (Shimla – Himachal Pradesh)

Why do Telangana IAS dread becoming Sircilla Collector?

By
LO Bureau
-
Telangana's cadre crunch

Becoming a district collector is often considered a core attraction for young people joining the Indian Administrative Service, but the tiny Rajanna Sircilla district in Telangana is proving to be a challenge most IAS officers dread to take up. Rather, it is fast becoming like a nightmare. IAS officers avoid heading the Sircilla district administration, as this role has come to be viewed as a punishment post. So much so that senior officials prefer a low-profile position in the secretariat to becoming its collector due to extreme political pressure and mounting legal complications.

The primary reason for the reluctance is the intense political scrutiny due to which successes are credited to political bosses and failures bring widespread criticism.

Virtually, Sircilla has been a high-profile constituency represented by BRS party working president and former minister K.T. Rama Rao. The district also includes the Vemulawada constituency, represented by government whip Aadi Srinivas.

Collectors often find themselves caught in the crossfire between a powerful opposition like the BRS and an assertive ruling party like the Congress. As a result, while ruling Congress leaders like Sircilla Assembly constituency in-charge K.K. Mahendar Reddy and Aadi Srinivas seek to assert their authority, BRS leaders question every administrative move.

But what has permeated fear in the minds of bureaucrats is the tenure of previous collector Sandeep Kumar Jha (IAS:2014:TG). Jha was known for his aggressive styles, crackdowns on land encroachments, and public spats with political heavyweights.

Rama Rao disliked Jha and called him a Congress activist in a collector’s garb. This strong political stance was taken on the basis of a simple incident of removal of a tea stall featuring the MLA’s photo. But Jha’s image really suffered a blow when the Telangana High Court summoned him and made him stand in court until evening. The matter related to a compensation issue involving a local woman.

The collector was finally transferred ostensibly for protocol violation during National Flag Day.

After Sandeep Kumar Jha, M. Haritha (IAS:2013:TG) was posted as the first female collector of the district on September 29. As she was earlier serving as a special secretary, she was unhappy about being moved to a district-level role, and within just 24 days of taking charge, Haritha went on long-term child care leave.

It is learnt that after receiving High Court notices shortly after joining duty and the pressure exerted on her by local politicians prompted her to step aside.

The result was as was expected: after multiple leave extensions, the government finally transferred her. She is now posted as secretary to the Telangana State Public Service Commission.

Since Haritha’s departure in October last, the additional collector (local bodies), Garima Agarwal, has been managing the district administration.

As per the latest government orders, Garima has been directed to continue as the in-charge collector. There is a strong possibility that the government may eventually give her full-scale responsibility in the face of the senior officers’ unwillingness to take up the Sircilla challenge.

Candidates appearing at Civil Services Exam to undergo face authentication at exam centres

By
LO Bureau
-
Tamil Nadu DGP appointment

Now, all candidates appearing at the Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will have to undergo facial authentication at the examination centre. The UPSC has put up a note on its official website, announcing the introduction of this system in this regard. This measure has been taken to enhance the integrity of the examination process.

The commission has adopted an artificial intelligence-enabled facial authentication technology, which was successfully piloted during the NDA (National Defence Academy) and NA (Naval Academy) II Examinations, as well as the CDS (Combined Defence Services) II Examination, held on September 14, 2025.

This pilot programme was put to the test at select centres in Gurugram, where candidates’ facial images were digitally matched with the photographs submitted in their registration forms.

According to the UPSC Chairman, Ajay Kumar, while adding an extra layer of security, the new system reduced verification time to just 8 to 10 seconds per candidate on average, significantly streamlining the entry process.

It’s worth noting that the UPSC conducts various recruitment examinations for elite government jobs, including the civil services exam, which selects officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. This technology is going to be used for the facial authentication of candidates for the Civil Services exam for the first time.

Delhi HC orders CAT to decide IRS Sameer Wankhede case on Jan 14 or within 10 days after

By
LO Bureau
-
Case against Rajat Kumar IAS

The Delhi High Court came down heavily on the lackadaisical attitude of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) concerning disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede (IRS-C&IT:2008). The court ordered the CAT to decide the case within a fixed timeline by January 14 or within ten days thereafter. These proceedings against Wankhede stem from allegations linked to the Cordelia cruise raid.

The court noted that a regular case had been registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging that a bribe was sought from an accused in the case.

The matter was heard on Monday by a Division Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Amit Mahajan.

The court was told that an earlier petition before the Bombay High Court had resulted in an interim protection given to him against coercive action. It was also told that a transcript that was placed on record indicated that one Japaan Babu was being pressured to share information related to an unconnected matter. The Union of India submitted that these circumstances stalled the inquiry.

As per records, the Union of India challenged the CAT’s interim order passed on August 27, 2025, staying further disciplinary proceedings against Wankhede.

As the original application is listed for final hearing on January 14, the High Court disposed of the petition, giving specific directions to the CAT to take up the matter on January 14 and decide it either that day or within ten days thereafter.

With its interim order having been challenged, the High Court directed the tribunal to adjudicate the original application independently.
The HC Bench refrained from making observations on the impugned order.


 

Coal Ministry Joint Secretary Lakhpat Singh Choudhary prematurely repatriated

By
LO Bureau
-
Indian Railway Stores Service

Senior IRSS officer Lakhpat Singh Choudhary (IRSS:1997), who is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday (January 12, 2026), the competent authority has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Coal for the premature repatriation of Choudhary on personal grounds.

Lakhpat Singh Choudhary has been serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal since March 21, 2025. He was appointed to the post for a tenure extending up to his superannuation on December 31, 2029. However, the central deputation tenure has now been curtailed, and he will return to his parent cadre ahead of schedule.

Sanjay Kumar gets additional charge of DoPT, DARPG and Pension Departments

By
LO Bureau
-

Senior IAS officer Sanjay Kumar (IAS:1990:BH), Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, has been assigned additional charge of Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on Sunday (January 11, 2026), the competent authority has approved the assignment of additional charge to Sanjay Kumar for the period from January 12, 2026 to January 18, 2026.

The arrangement has been made during the period of absence on leave of Rachna Shah (IAS:1991:KL), who is the regular incumbent holding charge of the three departments.

1...858687...1,877Page 86 of 1,877

Latest News