The Haryana government has initiated a significant bureaucratic reshuffle at the highest level, starting with the appointment of a new Director General of Police (DGP). The move sets the stage for another crucial appointment—that of the state's next Chief Secretary.
New Police Chief Takes Charge
The state government formally appointed Shatrujeet Singh Kapur, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new Director General of Police for Haryana. The appointment order was issued on Wednesday, following the necessary approvals.
Kapur, who was serving as the state's Director General of Prisons, has now taken over the reins of the police force. He succeeds the outgoing DGP, who has been transferred in this administrative rejig.
The Race for Chief Secretary Begins
With the DGP position filled, attention has immediately turned to the impending appointment of the new Chief Secretary. The current Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal, is scheduled to retire on August 31, 2024. This has triggered intense speculation and lobbying within bureaucratic circles.
A shortlist of senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from the 1990 and 1991 batches is being considered for the top administrative post. The final decision rests with the state's political leadership.
Top Contenders for the Post
Among the frontrunners for the Chief Secretary position are several seasoned officers. T.V.S.N. Prasad, a 1990-batch IAS officer currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for the Finance and Planning Departments, is seen as a strong candidate due to his seniority and key portfolio.
Other notable contenders include Anurag Rastogi (ACS, Excise and Taxation), Rajesh Khullar (ACS, Agriculture), and Anil Malik (ACS, Revenue). The choice will signal the government's administrative priorities for the coming years.
Implications of the Dual Appointments
These back-to-back appointments at the helm of the police and administrative services are critical for governance in Haryana. The new DGP will be tasked with maintaining law and order and implementing key policing initiatives.
Simultaneously, the incoming Chief Secretary will play a pivotal role in steering the state's bureaucracy, overseeing major development projects, and ensuring the smooth implementation of government schemes. The decisions are being closely watched by political observers and the administrative machinery alike.
The government is expected to announce its choice for Chief Secretary in the coming days, completing this phase of high-level bureaucratic restructuring.
