Shimla (29.04.2024): With the incumbent DGP Sanjay Kundu (IPS: 1989: HP) set to hang his boots this month end, the government of Himachal Pradesh has intensified the process to pick his successor. The government has so far included three senior-most IPS officers in the panel for the consideration of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Delving into the prospects of all the three, it appears that being the senior most on the panel Sanjiv Ranjan Oja (IPS: 1989: HP) stands fair chance yet the line is never so simple and straight for a top position affecting the fate of the state and the incumbent state government equally.

Interesting to see if the CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honours the seniority or picks an officer of his choice even if it means superseding some officers. Another credible officer Shyam Bhagat Negi (IPS: 1990: HP) too is in the race who is currently working as Special Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, government of India. It is learnt that Dr Atul Verma (IPS: 1991: HP) too is inching towards the goal post as some insiders say. Oja and Verma both have service term till May 2025; meaning thereby in either case the officer would get an extended lease of career till May 2026.

Having included three senior-most IPS officers in the panel for the consideration of Union Public Service Commission, the Congress government in the state may have a sigh of relief to have a DGP of its own choice as the outgoing DGP Sanjay Kundu was appointed during the previous BJP government which also underlines the importance of SC Guideline-led selection and appointment process that ensures two years fixed term for a State DGP.