In a key administrative development, Rajasthan’s Director General of Police (DGP), Utkan Ranjan Sahoo, a 1988-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). The appointment fills a long-vacant constitutional post critical to state recruitment processes.
The official appointment was made by Governor Haribhai Bagde through an order issued on Monday.
A Senior IPS Officer Takes on a New Role
Mr. Sahoo, the senior-most IPS officer in Rajasthan, hails originally from Odisha and was promoted to the Director General (DG) rank in December 2020. Before becoming DGP, he served as DG, Home Guards for over two years.
He now becomes the third former DGP to head the RPSC, following the footsteps of Bhupendra Singh and Devendra Kumar.
His Journey as DGP
Sahoo was given additional charge as DGP on December 29, 2023, after the retirement of Umesh Mishra. He was officially appointed as Rajasthan’s full-time DGP on February 10, 2024, with a two-year tenure. His leadership marked a period of administrative continuity and stability in the state police force.
From Police Chief to RPSC Chairman
To take on the new role, Mr. Sahoo opted for voluntary retirement (VRS), which the state government approved. Following his retirement, he was immediately appointed to lead the RPSC, Rajasthan’s apex body responsible for recruitment to various civil services and administrative posts.
Born on June 20, 1964, Sahoo is 61 years old, and under current norms, he can serve as RPSC Chairman until the age of 62 — meaning he is expected to hold the position until June 2026.
Who Will Be the Next DGP of Rajasthan?
Sahoo’s departure from the DGP post has sparked widespread speculation in bureaucratic and political circles about his successor. Three senior IPS officers have emerged as top contenders:
1. Rajeev Sharma (IPS:1990:RJ)
Currently serving as DG, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) on central deputation, Sharma is considered the frontrunner. He is the most senior IPS officer in the Rajasthan cadre, with a clean track record and widespread support from both the Centre and the state government.
2. Sanjay Agarwal (IPS:1992:RJ)
Presently DG (Intelligence), Rajasthan, Agarwal is known for his integrity and administrative competence. His strong rapport with the state leadership and deep involvement in internal security make him a strong candidate.
With Mr. Sahoo’s transition from policing to public recruitment, Rajasthan’s top administrative posts are undergoing significant reshuffling. As the government prepares to announce the next DGP, all eyes are now on who will steer the state police through the next phase.
