Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal on Tuesday approved the Lokayukta selection panel’s proposal to appoint State DGP RP Sharma as the member of the anti-corruption ombudsman organisation.
The development has paved the way for Sharma’s elevation to the new post. In a first such instance, an official from the DG rank will be moved to a constitutional post.
The Lokayukta selection committee had earlier proposed Sharma’s name (after the top cop gave his consent last month) for the five-member Lokayukta panel to be headed by former Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court Ajit Singh.
Sources said Sharma has applied to take voluntary retirement from service (VRS) and his request is under consideration. As per the police service rules, the DGP has to give one-month notice period while informing his decision to quit the service.
Meanwhile, the elevation of Sharma has fuelled speculations as to who will be the next DGP. Speculations are rife that Odisha government might appoint an officer of the 1986 or 1987 batch IPS as the new top cop of the State Police.
Names of several top police officials, including State’s current Fire Services DG BK Sharma, are being considered for the post.