S T Ramesh appointed DG&IGP in-charge

With the post embroiled in an SC case, Ramesh chosen, but with a caveat

As per the order, Ramesh will be able to use all statutory powers as head of the police force. Besides, he has been elevated to the apex scale (above 80,000 pay per month), which is given only to the head of the State police. DGPs are entitled to above super time scale (between 75,000 and 80,000 pay).

There were only two DG rank officers in the State police: Ramesh and D V Guruprasad, of the batch of 1976.

As the issue of selection of full time DG&IGP is pending before the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister’s office made Ramesh as the in-charge police chief, official sources said.

Appointment to the prestigious post became controversial with many DGP rank officers, including Bangalore City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari, asking the Government to include them into the zone of consideration (make them eligible to the post) as per the new guidelines of the UPSC.

Guruprasad immediately moved the Central Administrative Tribunal, Bangalore, which gave an interim direction to the Government not to consider the UPSC direction. The Government then filed interlocutory application in the SC seeking its permission to follow the UPSC guidelines.

As per the rule book, a committee headed by the Home Minister has to recommend names for the post (full time) to the Cabinet.

Normally, the Cabinet authorises the Chief Minister to select one among the recommended names.
Once the legal hurdle is cleared by the CAT or any other higher court, the government will appoint a regular DG&IGP. Again, it is up to the government to allow Ramesh to continue or bring in a new officer to head the state police.

Ramesh who joined service on July 11, 1976 is due for retirement in July.

Additional charge

ADGP (CID Administration) M N Reddy has been given additional charge of Chairman and MD of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, while SP Railways, Bangalore City, N Shivakumar has been given additional charge of Home Guards.

Baton handover

At the baton handover ceremony, Ajai Kumar Singh thanked all political parties, including the ruling BJP, police officers and public who co-operated in bringing in many reforms. He would not reveal his post-retirement plans.

Ramesh sought the help of his subordinates in discharging his duties.

Guruprasad, whose hope of becoming the top cop in the State was shattered, preferred to stay away from the function.