Jaipur: In a significant bureaucratic development, the Rajasthan government has appointed 1990-batch IPS officer Rajeev Kumar Sharma as the new Director General of Police (DGP). The appointment follows the final clearance from the Centre, after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recommended a panel of three names: Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Rajesh Nirvana, and Sanjay Agarwal.
Mr Sharma, who was serving as Director General at the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) on central deputation, was relieved following a state request to bring him back for the top role. His appointment aligns with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on seniority and tenure for police chiefs, and is being viewed as a break from previous political practices.
Why Rajiv Sharma Emerged as the Government’s First Choice
Government sources indicated five key reasons why Sharma emerged ahead of Nirvana and Agarwal in the selection process–
- Seniority and Rich Service Record
Mr Sharma is the most senior officer among the shortlisted names, bringing over three decades of experience across Rajasthan and the Centre. His past roles include SP in multiple districts, DG of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), DG (Law & Order), and Director of Rajasthan Police Academy, where he was responsible for police training and reforms.
- Integrity and Professionalism
Known for his clean image and disciplined work ethic, Mr Sharma had a brief but impactful tenure as DG ACB in 2024, where he was praised for transparent handling of sensitive cases.
- Alignment with Government’s Administrative Vision
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s government was reportedly looking for a DGP who combined loyalty, competence, and reformist credentials. Rajiv Sharma fit this matrix perfectly, having served in both political and technical roles with dedication.
- Social Representation
Sharma belongs to the OBC category, adding a dimension of social balance to his selection at a time when caste representation remains politically sensitive in Rajasthan.
- Two-Year Fixed Tenure
His appointment fulfills the Supreme Court mandate for a minimum two-year tenure for state police chiefs, a norm not always followed by previous governments. Sharma will hold the post till mid-2027, barring any exceptional changes.
Other Contenders and What Lies Ahead
The UPSC had finalized three names – Rajeev Sharma, Rajesh Nirvana (1991 batch), and Sanjay Agarwal (1992 batch) – after a meeting held in Delhi on June 27. Notably, Rajesh Arya, another senior officer, had withdrawn his name from consideration earlier in the process.
While Sharma has been appointed now, both Nirvana and Agarwal – who have over three years of service remaining – may still be in the running for the top post in the future. Another potential future candidate includes Govind Gupta (1993 batch).
In past administrations, particularly under former CMs Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje, political preferences often took precedence over seniority. This appointment, however, appears to prioritize experience, neutrality, and institutional integrity.
Official Announcement and Process
Following the UPSC panel submission, the Rajasthan Department of Personnel wrote to the Centre requesting Sharma’s release. After the Ministry of Home Affairs approved the repatriation, the appointment was formalized on July 4, 2025. Sharma is expected to assume charge immediately.
