After appointment of Rajasthan DGP Utkal Ranjan Sahoo as chairman of beleaguered recruitment agency Rajasthan Public Service Commission, race for the top post in police hots up.
As far as seniority is concerned there are seven contenders for the post of DGP. However, the real race is likely to be between Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Agrawal and Anand Srivastava.
Rajeev Kumar Sharma, a 1990 batch officer is second in seniority after Sahoo. He is on central deputation serving as Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development. He stands good chance to be at the helm. His batchmate Ravi Prakash Meharda, who is currently serving as DG Anti Corruption Bureau is retiring this month. He has been given additional charge of DGP being the senior most cop in the cadre.
Rajesh Nirwan, a 1992 batch IPS officer is considered an efficient officer with clean image. He is on central deputation currently serving as DG Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. His chances of becoming DGP is little less.
Another strong contender is Sanjay Agrawal, who is a 1992 batch IPS, currently serving as DG Intelligence. He stands a strong chance of a look in for the post. He is considered close to the current dispensation.
Next in list are Govind Gupta (1993), Rajesh Arya (1994) and Anil Paliwal (1994). The chances of these three officers are bleak. However, until the announcement is made, everyone in the fray has a chance. Govind Gupta is serving as DG Jail, Rajesh Arya is on central deputation serving as DG National Technical Research Organisation while Anil Paliwal is serving as DG Technical Services and Traffic.
The last contender in the list is Anand Srivastava. He also hold strong contention for this post. He was promoted to DG rank last month. He is currently serving on his previous post ADG Armed Battalion.
A 1995 batch officer is a Go-to man for any leadership. Known for his efficiency and swift working style, he is being considered one the strongest contenders despite being last in the list of DGs. He had been commissioner of Jaipur Police for a record more than 4 and half years.
Rajasthan may go UP way or appoint a full time DGP
Rajasthan government has an option of picking full time DGP duly approved by UPSC through the proper process. It may also go Uttar Pradesh way and appoint an officiating DGP ignoring the seniority.
For appointment of regular DGP, Rajasthan government will have to submit a list of eligible officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The UPSC then will prepare a panel of three officers, and the state government selects one from this panel to be the DGP.
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