Chennai: Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Seema Aggarwal, a 1990-batch officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre known for introducing several administrative reforms in police recruitment, crime records management, public service delivery and fire services, will retire from service on June 30 after an illustrious career spanning nearly 35 years.
Even as she prepares to superannuate, the Tamil Nadu Government has entrusted her with an important new responsibility by giving her the additional charge of Chairperson of the Fire Commission, a position carrying a tenure of two years.
Throughout her distinguished career, Aggarwal held several key leadership positions and earned recognition for introducing technology-driven reforms, improving transparency, enhancing emergency response systems, and contributing to education and community welfare beyond her official duties.
Fire Commission Responsibility After Retirement
Ahead of her retirement, Seema Aggarwal has been assigned the additional responsibility of Chairperson of the Fire Commission, ensuring continuity in policy guidance and reforms within the state’s fire services sector.
The appointment reflects the government’s confidence in her administrative experience and long-standing contribution to public safety.
Career Spanning Nearly Three and a Half Decades
During her 35-year career, Seema Aggarwal served in several prestigious positions within the Tamil Nadu Police, including:
- Director, Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB)
- Director, State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB)
- Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters)
- Director, Fire and Rescue Services
Across these assignments, she spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at making police administration more transparent, technology-driven and citizen-friendly.
Revolutionising Police Recruitment
One of the most significant reforms introduced by Aggarwal came during her tenure as Director of the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB).
She implemented an online recruitment transparency system that allowed candidates appearing for police recruitment examinations to directly view their cut-off marks online.
The initiative significantly enhanced transparency in the recruitment process and strengthened public confidence in police selections.
Modernising Fire and Rescue Services
As Director of Fire and Rescue Services, Seema Aggarwal focused on improving both administrative efficiency and emergency response.
Among her key initiatives were:
- Introduction of an online system for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to fire safety.
- Streamlining operational procedures for emergency response.
- Reducing the average fire response time from 20–30 minutes to approximately 12–15 minutes, enabling quicker emergency assistance and better public safety.
These reforms significantly improved service delivery and operational preparedness across the department.
Strengthening Crime Data Management Through CCTNS
During her tenure as Director of the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), Aggarwal played an instrumental role in implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) portal across Tamil Nadu.
The nationwide digital policing initiative improved crime data management, enabled better coordination among police stations, and strengthened criminal investigation through technology.
Modernising Police Infrastructure
As Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters), she supervised the procurement of police vehicles worth nearly ₹100 crore.
The procurement included air-conditioned SUVs for police officers of the rank of Inspector and above, significantly improving mobility and operational infrastructure within the state police.
A Police Officer Who Chose the Classroom
Beyond her policing responsibilities, Seema Aggarwal devoted considerable time to education and community service.
For nearly two years, she voluntarily taught English and Mathematics to students of Classes VI, VII and VIII at a Chennai Corporation School in Thousand Lights.
Her involvement extended well beyond classroom teaching.
She introduced training programmes in:
- Silambam
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Basketball
She also motivated students to participate in science exhibitions, competitions and extracurricular activities, where many of them went on to win prizes.
Supporting Students Beyond Academics
Teachers at the Chennai Corporation school recalled Aggarwal’s personal commitment towards students’ welfare.
According to them, she regularly arranged and distributed:
- Notebooks
- Stationery
- School uniforms
- Shoes
- School bags
She also introduced:
- Daily prayer sessions
- Weekly flag-hoisting ceremonies
- Spoken-language exercises
These initiatives helped improve the confidence and communication skills of students, many of whom initially struggled with both English and Tamil.
Plans After Retirement
Retirement from the police service will not mark the end of Seema Aggarwal’s public service journey.
She plans to continue teaching at a Chennai Corporation High School in Vanniya Teynampet, reflecting her continued commitment to education and youth development.
Educational Background and Personal Life
Seema Aggarwal is a native of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
She holds a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering before joining the Indian Police Service.
She is married to DGP A.K. Viswanathan, a fellow 1990-batch IPS officer and former Chennai Police Commissioner, who retired from service in 2024.
A Legacy of Administrative Reforms and Public Service
Over nearly 35 years in uniform, IPS officer Seema Aggarwal has left a lasting mark on Tamil Nadu’s policing and public administration through reforms in police recruitment, digital policing, fire services, emergency response and public service delivery.
Equally notable is her commitment to education and social welfare, demonstrating that her contributions extend beyond law enforcement. With her appointment as Chairperson of the Fire Commission and her decision to continue teaching after retirement, Aggarwal begins a new chapter of public service built on the same values of transparency, efficiency and community development that defined her policing career.
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