THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A clutch of controversial decisions of the previous government such as the promotion of four ADGPs to DGPs is likely to be reviewed by the LDF Government as the Centre has not approved promotions and officers continue to draw lower salaries.
In February, the Cabinet promoted ADGP (intelligence) A Hemachandran, Vigilance director N Shanker Reddy, ADGP (training) Rajesh Dewan and ADGP (coastal security) Mohammed Yasin, all 1986 batch, to DGPs, overriding objections by the then Chief Secretary, Jiji Thomson.
The objection concerned the breach of Centre's parameters regarding promotions, directly linked to the officer strength. The total number of IPS officers in the State being 89, the State is eligible for two DGPs and two ex-cadre DGPs. This quota was already filled and the fresh promotions raised the DGPs' strength to 8.
While doing this, the state government sought two more cadre posts of DGP, hoping to meet the Centre's parameters by the next round of review of the cadre strength. The delay in approvals has cast a shadow over the Cabinet decision, which was also criticized by the Opposition LDF as “an instance of favouritism”.
Another sensitive issue is the disciplinary action pending against DGP Jacob Thomas, chairman and managing director of Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation, who had taken on the previous government on issues of corruption.
Former Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had held back Mr Thomson's recommendation for disciplinary action against Mr Thomas, who taught at a private college and drew remuneration. He repaid the salary but the Centre refused to buy the logic and wrote back to the state government, taking serious note of the officer’s misconduct.
