Former DIG Bosco George Condemns Mass Police Promotions in Goa as 'Gadha aur Ghoda'
In a scathing critique of the Goa Police Department, former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Bosco George has lashed out at the recent promotion of 19 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). George, a seasoned officer with deep insights into police administration, termed the move as having "no difference between Gadha aur Ghoda" (donkey and horse), highlighting what he sees as a blatant disregard for merit and protocol.
George's Strong Words on Professionalism and Sanctity
While extending congratulations to the promoted officers, George did not mince words in calling the promotions a "real drama." He argued that promoting such a large number of personnel simultaneously degrades the sanctity of the SP post and fosters frustration among Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) officers. According to George, their vacancies were allegedly snatched away to accommodate these promotions, which he believes will lead to subservience and servility rather than professionalism.
"This is going to breed subservience and servility, and bid goodbye to professionalism," George stated, emphasizing the potential long-term negative impacts on the force's integrity and efficiency.
Details of the Promoted Officers and Rule Relaxations
The state government officially promoted the 19 DySPs to SPs on Friday. The list of promoted officers includes:
- Shaikh Salim
- Wilson D’ Souza
- Francisco Corte
- Roy Pereira
- Nolasco Raposo
- Braz Menezes
- Nutun Verenker
- Gurudas Kadam
- Siddhant Shirodkar
- Jivba Dalvi
- Rajan Nigalye
- Rajendra P Dessai
- Nerlon Albuquerque
- Ashish Shirodkar
- Pravinkumar Vast
- Sagar Ekoskar
- Rajesh Kumar
- Tushar Vernekar
- Viswesh Karpe
To facilitate these promotions, the authorities provided relaxations in service rules, a move that has sparked controversy and debate within police circles. A senior police officer indicated that following these promotions, the department plans to initiate processes to fill the now-vacant DySP positions. Additionally, the Goa Police will commence recruitment for direct DySPs to address ongoing vacancies.
Historical Context and Previous Promotions
This incident is not isolated. In August 2023, the state government promoted 27 Police Inspectors (PIs) to the level of DySP, many of whom had been serving as acting DySPs. To accommodate these personnel, the government diverted 10 direct-recruitment DySP posts, a strategy that has raised questions about transparency and fairness in police promotions.
The ongoing pattern of mass promotions and rule relaxations underscores broader issues within the Goa Police Department's promotion policies, as highlighted by George's outspoken criticism.
