Dilip Cherian | Bhutan's Order of Merit to ex-IAS showcases India-Bhutan ties

Retired Punjab IAS officer Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh’s recent award of Bhutan’s National Order of Merit gold medal not only signifies her exceptional contributions to Bhutan’s healthcare but also gains significance in the context of India’s ties with the mountain kingdom and China’s increasing engagement with Bhutan.

As the first Indian to serve as the regional director of WHO Southeast Asia, Dr Khetrapal Singh’s recognition exemplifies India’s commitment to global health leadership. Her pivotal role in advancing transformative healthcare in Bhutan, leading to the early elimination of measles and rubella, has elevated India’s status as a key partner in Bhutan’s development.

The timing of the award, coinciding with Bhutan’s National Day celebration and the announcement of the Gelephu “mindfulness” mega-city project in the presence of a large Indian contingent is being seen as quite significant. Bhutan’s king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, made the announcement during elections in Bhutan, signalling the project’s continuity despite political changes. King Wangchuk’s subsequent visits to India to discuss the project, where Indian infrastructure and private investment will play a vital role, indicate India’s commitment to countering China’s growing influence in the region.

India’s proactive engagement in healthcare and development in Bhutan assumes significance, and its involvement in the country’s ambitious projects symbolises a strategic response to reinforce India’s regional leadership.

DG dilemma: Delay in appointments raises alarm

As central paramilitary forces and central police organisations grapple with several vacant director general (DG) level posts, the impending retirement of Mohammed Taj Hasan adds to the ongoing leadership vacuum. Hasan is set to retire at the end of this month as DG of fire services, civil defence and home guard.

The delay in appointing regular DGs in critical agencies such as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has raised serious concerns. Compounding this issue is the prolonged vacancy in the key position of DG (Investigation) at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), since August, following Manoj Yadava’s transfer to the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Babu corridors are abuzz with discussions about the significance of the post of director at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, considered an additional director general (ADG) rank post. The retirement of A. Seema Rajan in February 2023 led to the elevation of the then inspector general Amit Gard as the head of the institution in the rank of ADG.

Recent security lapses in Parliament have heightened the awareness of senior officials across services and batches regarding crucial vacancies at the senior level. It may hasten the announcement of new appointments of regular DGs in the CISF, CRPF, fire service and civil defence, and possibly the NHRC. Watch this space for updates.

Promotions and puzzles: IRS overhaul signals change

The Centre has filled the vacant post of director general (investigations) in the Competition Commission of India (CCI) by appointing Anshuman Pattanaik, a 1994-batch IRS (Income Tax) officer. This position became available after Atul Verma completed his second extended term in November.

As head of the independent investigation arm of the CCI, Mr Pattanaik will lead inquiries into several high-profile corporate giants, including Big Tech companies, scrutinising anti-trust and competition-related matters.

Meanwhile, in other IRS-related developments, the 2006 batch of IRS officers have seen promotions to the grade of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT). A total of 58 IRS officers have been promoted, signifying a reshuffling of key positions within the IRS. While the general impression is that this is a routine matter, it is noteworthy that the recommendation of the departmental promotion committee (DPC) for the empanelment of 16 IRS officers has been shrouded in secrecy, with the names placed in “sealed covers”.

Adding a layer of intrigue, at least three IRS officials have been denied empanelment. The reasons behind these decisions and the implications for the affected officers remain undisclosed. It will be interesting to observe the impact of these changes on the dynamics of tax administration and regulatory oversight in the country.