The controversial “promotion” of former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria is not the first such operation by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who has now built up a reputation for cutting high-profile babus to size. Observers say that the first sign of Mr Fadnavis’ “independent” streak was seen when he ordered the transfer of Anti-Terrorism Squad head Himanshu Roy, a high-flier for most of his career.
Mr Roy was sent off to head the Police Housing Corporation. But it’s not just IPS officers who have been the focus of the CM’s attention. Several IAS officers too have been arbitrarily transferred before the completion of their tenures. The one message that has gone out is that Mr Fadnavis is clearly in charge, and now the babus are very worried.
DRDO makes waves
The DRDO has received a lot of flak for its inability to meet targets. Reportedly, the PMO is monitoring its activities and has sought monthly progress reports to be shared with the Union Cabinet, the defence minister and the Cabinet Secretariat. It remains to be seen whether this firman will be the wake-up call for our defence boffins. Still, there is at least one piece of good news emanating from the DRDO.
The Bengaluru-based organisation broke a glass ceiling when the DRDO head S. Christopher announced the appointment of the organisation’s first woman director-general. J. Manjula has assumed charge of the general electronic and communication systems cluster, and earlier headed the defence avionics research wing of the DRDO. It’s a big leap forward.
