Bengaluru: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the state government has transferred five senior IAS and IPS officers, including key changes in the leadership of the Ballari District Police. The transfers mark a continuation of personnel adjustments after the New Year, reflecting the government’s efforts to strengthen administrative and policing efficiency in the state.
Suman Pannekar Appointed Ballari District Police Chief
The government has appointed Suman Pannekar, former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Bangalore Intelligence Division, as the new District Police Chief of Ballari. She replaces Pawan Nijjoor, who was earlier suspended following an alleged incident of misconduct on December 31.
Suman Pannekar, a distinguished officer, will now oversee policing operations in Ballari, taking charge of maintaining law and order in the district.
New Inspector General of Police for Ballari Zone
Alongside the SP appointment, 2004 batch IPS officer P.S. Harsh has been appointed as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Ballari Zone, succeeding Vartika Katiyar, who has been transferred as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate.
These changes are part of a broader administrative exercise that has already seen the transfer of 48 IPS officers earlier this year.
Transfer of Two IAS Officers
In addition to the IPS transfers, two senior IAS officers have also been moved:
- Salma K. Fahim – Previously awaiting appointment, she has now been posted as Secretary, Labor Department. She has also been given additional charge as Secretary of the Scheduled Caste Department.
- Kanagavalli M. – Previously serving as Secretary of the Senior Tribal Welfare Department, she has been transferred as Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Department, with the additional responsibility of Managing Director of the State Medical Equipment Supply Corporation.
These IAS transfers aim to strengthen governance in key administrative departments, especially in labor, tribal welfare, and public supply sectors.
These transfers follow earlier New Year transfers of 48 IPS officers in the state.
Implications of the Transfers
The reshuffle is expected to bolster policing efficiency and administrative governance across critical districts and departments. The appointment of senior officers with specialized experience, such as Suman Pannekar in Ballari and P.S. Harsh in the Ballari Zone, indicates the government’s focus on strengthening law and order, labor administration, and public service delivery.
