The recent promotion list issued by the Odisha government has created a significant buzz within the state's administrative and police circles, primarily due to the conspicuous omission of two senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. Despite being eligible for elevation for over a year, ADG-rank officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Jethwa found their names missing from the list cleared on Tuesday, leaving many within the IPS fraternity puzzled and sparking intense speculation.
The Promotions That Were and Were Not
On Tuesday, the state government approved a series of promotions across various ranks of the police force. The list included the elevation of two Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) to the rank of Additional Director General (ADG), two Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) to IGP, and two Superintendents of Police (SPs) to DIG. Additionally, nine SPs were granted pay hikes following their promotion to junior administrative and selection grades.
However, all eyes were on the anticipated promotions of the 1994-batch officers, Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Jethwa. Panda, who serves as the chief of anti-Naxal operations, and Jethwa, the director of vigilance, were widely expected to be elevated to the coveted Director General of Police (DGP) rank this time around, as their promotions have been overdue for more than a year. Their exclusion from the list has become the central point of discussion in Bhubaneswar's power corridors.
The Vacancy Conundrum and Precedents
Sources within the state's home department have pointed to a logistical hurdle as the primary reason for the stalled promotions. Officials stated that while both officers fulfill all eligibility criteria, the proposals are pending due to a lack of sanctioned vacancies at the DGP rank.
Currently, Odisha has only four sanctioned posts for DGPs—two cadre and two ex-cadre. Yet, the state already has six officers holding the rank: Y.B. Khurania, Sudhanshu Sarangi, Sapna Tewari, Susanta Nath, Vinaytosh Mishra, and R.P. Koche. Among them, Sapna Tewari is on central deputation. A home department official explained, "Though proposals were sent for the promotions of Panda and Jethwa, the government did not consider them, citing a surplus strength with five currently serving in the rank in the state."
This strict interpretation of the rules has been challenged by some senior police officers who cite existing precedents. One officer argued that there have been instances in the past where six or seven DGPs served simultaneously despite the sanctioned strength being four. "Flexibility was applied earlier. If the same yardstick is to be strictly implemented now, then the surplus officers should be reverted to the ADG rank until a vacancy is available," the officer contended.
Implications and the Looming DGP Selection
The promotions of Panda and Jethwa were being closely monitored, especially with the next selection for the state's top police post—the DGP—on the horizon. Although the current DGP, Y.B. Khurania's tenure is set to continue until August 2026, whispers about a potential change of guard have been gaining currency in administrative circles. The delay in promoting two senior and eligible officers inevitably fuels speculation about the future leadership dynamics within the Odisha police.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between administrative rules, vacancies, and career progression within the senior bureaucracy. The omission has not only left the careers of two senior officers in limbo but has also raised questions about the consistency and transparency of the promotion process. All stakeholders are now keenly watching the government's next move to resolve this impasse.
