Bhubaneswar: Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal has approved the appointment of incumbent Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Rajendra Prasad Sharma as Lokayukta member.
Last month, the Lokayukta Selection Committee headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has recommended the senior IPS officer’s name as non-judicial member of the anti-corruption body.
But Dr Sharma’s prayer for retirement under the VRS has not been accepted by Odisha Government as yet. As soon as the VRS is accepted, Dr Sharma will leave DGP post and join as Lokayukta member.
With the approval of Sharma’s name, the number of members of the Lokayukta has increased to four, including the Chairperson. The five-member Lokayukta, headed by former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh, took charge in March. The other two members are retired Justice BK Nayak and former IFS officer Debabrata Swain.
As per the Lokayukta Act, the fifth member of the constitutional body will either be a woman or member from Scheduled Category or the minority community.
Now, speculations are about the new DGP. Sources said Government will opt for an in-charge DGP till a regular DGP was appointed.
Meanwhile, senior IPS officer and ADG (Modernisation) Vinaytosh Mishra was transferred and posted against the vacant cadre post of ADG-Headquarters. He is allowed to remain in additional charge of ADG Modernisation until further order, said a notification issued by the Home Department on August 2.
