Jaipur: In a significant administrative reshuffle, 1988 batch IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre, Mr Utkan Ranjan Sahoo, the incumbent Director General of Police (DGP) of Rajasthan, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). The post of RPSC Chairman had remained vacant for several months, and Sahoo’s appointment fills this critical constitutional role.
The official appointment order was issued by Governor Haribhai Bagde on Monday.
Senior Most IPS in State
IPS Sahu is the senior-most IPS officer in the state and is originally from Odisha. He was promoted to the rank of Director General (DG) in December 2020. Prior to this, he was posted as DG (Director General) Home Guard for about 2.5 years. He will be the third DGP to hold the top position at the RPSC, which is responsible for selecting officers in state services. Before him, Bhupendra Singh and Devendra Kumar were the other former DGPs to serve in this role
Appointed DGP on Dec 2023
He was appointed as the permanent Director General of Police (DGP) of Rajasthan in 2024. Initially, on December 29, 2023, he was given additional charge of the position after the then DGP, Umesh Mishra, opted for voluntary retirement. Later, on February 10, 2024, the Personnel Department officially confirmed his appointment as the permanent DGP for a tenure of two years.
Utkan Ranjan Sahoo’s Transition from Police to Public Service Commission
Mr Sahoo, who has served the Rajasthan Police for decades, applied for voluntary retirement (VRS), a request that was accepted by the state government. Immediately following his retirement, he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the state’s premier recruitment body, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission. This move marks a significant shift in Sahoo’s career from policing to public administration and governance.
As per norms, the Chairman and members of RPSC can serve until the age of 62. Born on June 20, 1964, IPS Sahoo is currently 61 and will hold the position for a one-year term, until June 2026.
Speculation Mounts Over Successor to Rajasthan DGP Post
With Mr Sahoo’s exit from the Rajasthan Police, administrative and political circles are abuzz with speculation about his successor.
Three names have emerged prominently in discussions concerning the next DGP of Rajasthan-
Rajeev Sharma (IPS:1990:RJ): Currently serving as Director General at the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) on central deputation, Sharma is considered the frontrunner. He is the senior-most IPS officer in the Rajasthan cadre and is praised for his impeccable record, strong administrative skills, and reputed trustworthiness by both the Central Government and Rajasthan’s current state government.
Sanjay Agarwal (IPS:1992:RJ): Presently Director General of Intelligence, Agarwal is known for his integrity and has a longstanding reputation for trust within the state administration. His deep involvement in Rajasthan’s security apparatus and his political confidence make him a formidable candidate.
Rajesh Nirwan (IPS:1992:RJ): Serving as Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on central deputation, Nirwan is also in contention for the coveted position.
Among these, Rajeev Sharma reportedly holds an advantage in the race to become the next Rajasthan DGP.
Government Sends Panel of Senior IPS Officers to UPSC
According to reliable sources, the Rajasthan government has forwarded a panel of senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for vetting and consideration. The list includes:
- Rajeev Kumar Sharma (IPS:1990:RJ)
- Rajesh Nirwan (IPS:1992:RJ)
- Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IPS:1992:RJ)
- Govind Gupta (IPS:1993:RJ)
- Rajesh Arya (IPS:1994:RJ)
- Anil Paliwal (IPS:1994:RJ)
- Anand Kumar Shrivastava (IPS:1994:RJ)
- Ashok Kumar Rathore (IPS:1994:RJ)
- Malini Agarwal (IPS:1994:RJ)
The UPSC is expected to shortlist three names from this panel and forward the final list to the Rajasthan government for approval. Following this, the formal appointment of the new Director General of Police will be announced. Meanwhile, an acting DGP is expected to be named soon to ensure smooth administrative continuity.
What This Means for Rajasthan’s Policing and Governance
The appointment of Sahoo as RPSC Chairman signals a continued effort by the Rajasthan government to place experienced and trusted officials in key constitutional roles. Meanwhile, the selection of the next DGP will be closely watched, as it will impact the state’s law enforcement strategies and public safety policies in the coming years.
