Bhubaneswar: The omission of two senior IPS officers from Odisha Government’s recent promotion list has stirred speculation across administrative and police circles. Despite being eligible for elevation for over a year, ADG-rank officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yeshwant Jethwa were not included in the latest round of promotions, raising questions and whispers in power corridors.
Recent Promotions in Odisha Police
On Tuesday, the Odisha government cleared promotions across several ranks:
- 2 IGPs promoted to ADG
- 2 DIGs elevated to IGP
- 2 SPs made DIGs
- 9 SPs granted pay hikes after elevation to junior administrative and selection grades
While these promotions were widely welcomed, the omission of Panda and Jethwa stood out, as both officers were widely expected to move up to the coveted DGP grade.
Background on the Omitted Officers
- Sanjeeb Panda (1994-batch): Currently heads anti-Naxal operations in Odisha.
- Yeshwant Jethwa (1994-batch): Serves as the Vigilance Director.
Both officers have met the eligibility criteria for promotion to DGP and have been under consideration for over a year. Their exclusion has puzzled the IPS fraternity, especially with the next DGP selection on the horizon.
Government’s Explanation
- Sources in the Home Department cited lack of sanctioned vacancies as the reason for the delay.
- Odisha currently has 4 sanctioned DGP posts (2 cadre, 2 ex-cadre).
Presently, 6 officers are holding the DGP rank: Y B Khurania, Sudhanshu Sarangi, Sapna Tewari, Susanta Nath, Vinaytosh Mishra, and R P Koche.
One officer, Sapna Tewari, is on central deputation.
“Though proposals were sent for promotions to Panda and Jethwa, the government did not consider them, citing surplus strength with 5 currently serving in the rank in the state,” a Home Department official said.
Debate Over Surplus Strength
Senior police officials have argued that precedents exist where 6–7 DGPs served simultaneously despite the sanctioned strength being 4.
“Flexibility was applied earlier. If the yardstick is strictly implemented, the surplus officers should be reverted to ADG rank till vacancy is available,” said a senior officer.
The discussion reflects ongoing debates over DGP rank vacancies and the mechanics of promotions in Odisha Police. The next DGP selection, along with the tenure of DGP Y B Khurania until August 2026, has heightened interest in how these promotions will be managed.
Implications
The omission of Panda and Jethwa highlights:
- Challenges in aligning sanctioned posts with eligible officers
- Administrative balancing between merit, seniority, and sanctioned strength
- Potential impact on upcoming DGP selections and morale within the IPS cadre
With both officers being senior and experienced, their eventual promotion or reassignment remains a closely watched issue in Odisha’s policing circles.
