Arun Kumar Sarangi, IPS: Appointed as New Chairman of Odisha Public Service Commission
Appointment and Tenure
In a significant development, senior IPS officer Arun Kumar Sarangi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). This appointment was made by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, as per a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance (GA&PG) Department.
Sarangi, a 1990 batch IPS officer, will serve as the OPSC Chairman for a term of six years from the date he assumes office or until he attains the age of 62, whichever is earlier. Given that he will turn 62 on July 25, 2027, he is set to remain in the position for approximately 2 years and 10 months.
Career Background
Arun Kumar Sarangi has had a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service. He began his career as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Talcher and later served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in various districts including Rayagada, Berhampur, Jagatsinghpur, Bhubaneswar, and Rourkela. He also held positions in the Crime Branch (CB) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Cuttack.
On promotion to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Sarangi was posted as DIGP, Northern Central Range, Talcher, and later as DIGP (Operations), Bhubaneswar. He further rose to the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP), serving as IGP, Law and Order, Odisha, based in Cuttack. Additionally, he has been in charge as the Director of the Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA).
Recent Roles
Prior to his appointment as OPSC Chairman, Sarangi served as the in-charge Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha from December 31, 2023, to August 16, 2024. He was then posted as Special Director General of Police (Training) and Director of the BPSPA.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Sarangi has received several commendations and rewards. Notably, he was awarded the Governor's Medal in 2004 and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007.
Official Notification
The official notification from the GA&PG Department states, "In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of the Article 316 of Constitution of India, read with Regulation 3 of the Odisha Public Service Commission (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1952, the Governor of Odisha has been pleased to appoint Shri Arun Kumar Sarangi, IPS, Special Director General of Police (Training) and Director, Biju Patnaik State Police Academy, Odisha as Chairman, Odisha Public Service Commission for a term of six years from the date he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier".
This appointment follows the precedent set by previous OPSC Chairmen, such as 1988 batch IPS officer Satyajit Mohanty, who also served in the post until he reached the age of 62.
With his extensive experience and distinguished service record, Arun Kumar Sarangi is well-positioned to lead the Odisha Public Service Commission effectively.