Jammu, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir government is expected to take a final call by next week on the appointment of new police chief to replace incumbent Kuldeep Khoda, who is retiring on May 31.
Well placed sources in the government told Greater Kashmir that the government is considering the panel forwarded to it by the Union Home Ministry and the final decision on the new appointment is expected by Tuesday next.
“The Home Department in consultation with the Chief Minister will shortlist one of the candidates from among and the proposal will be tabled before the state cabinet for its nod”, a senior cabinet minister in the coalition government said, on the condition of anonymity.
The officers in race for the coveted post include Arun Choudhary, Special Director General in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), PM Nair, Special Director General (Operations), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Ashok Prasad, Additional Director, Intelligence Bureau. However, Choudhary and Prasad are said to be the front-runners for the coveted post.
“Though as of now it was certain that one among the three officers in the panel would be appointed as the new Director General of Police, a influential group of ministers was pressing for consideration of an officer from the state cadre”, the minister said.
He said as per the prescribed rules there was none from the state cadre officers eligible for the post but names of DGP Armed and Law and Order K Rajendra and Vigilance Commissioner Pitambar Lal Gupta were being projected from the state cadre. “The government has the power to relax the norms in the interest of the administration as it is a selection post”, the minister said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 IST