Senior IPS officer Gautam Sawang, who was dropped from the post of director general of police three days ago, is said to be in a dilemma over the proposal of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government to appoint him as the chairman of AP Public Service Commission.
Though there were reports in Jagan’s own media house that Sawang is going to be appointed as the APPSC chairman, there is no further development from the government in this regard so far.
According to reports, the file with regard to Sawang’s appointment as APPSC chairman has been sent for the approval of Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, who is the competent authority to make the appointment.
Since APPSC chairman is a Constitutional post, Sawang has to give up his IPS officer post. Though he doesn’t have to quit the post, the moment the Governor appoints him in the post, he is deemed to have quit the government service.
Sources say Sawang is in two minds in accepting the post. He still has 17 months for retirement on attaining age of superannuation.
“He wanted retire in the dignified position in the service, but he was removed from the top cop post. He cannot accept any other post, which is definitely below his stature,” sources said.
It is learnt Sawang is trying for a deputation to the Centre, so that he would retire in some decent position. If he gets the Central deputation immediately, he can reject the APPSC chairman post.
Sources said the chances of his central deputation are bleak. So, if he doesn’t go to the Centre, he may have to accept Jagan’s offer and forego his 17 months of police service.
In that case, he will definitely get the brand of being a YSRC leader, as APPSC chairman post is a political appointment.
If he rejects, he will have to face the ire of the chief minister and will have to be posted in an insignificant post. Otherwise, Sawang will have to go on a long leave like what former chief secretary L V Subrahmanyam did and retire from his service quietly.
