‘I’m from forest background but I have a long administrative experience’, says new HPRCA chairman

Constituted in 2023, the HPRCA replaced the disbanded Himachal Pradesh State Selection Commission (HPSSC).

New HPRCA chairman Rajiv Kumar (left) takes the oath of office in Shimla on Tuesday.

Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Rajiv Kumar, a 1988-batch officer, took the oath as Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) at the State Secretariat in Shimla on Tuesday. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena administered the oath to the new chairman.

Constituted in 2023, the HPRCA replaced the disbanded Himachal Pradesh State Selection Commission (HPSSC).

After the ceremony, Kumar pledged to bring transparency through digitalisation and technology and to ensure a corruption-free recruitment process in the state.

Asked about his background in the forest department and the typical dominance of former IAS officers for the board’s chair positions, Rajiv Kumar told The Indian Express, “I have the forest department background, but I have extensive administrative experience, too. I have served at the level of Joint Secretary with the central government during a six-year deputation with the Electronics and Information Technology (EIT) wing. I also played a role in forming the G20 digital economic forum platform. Why was I selected for this position only the government can answer this question.”

Kumar said, “My priority will be to incorporate technology in the recruitment process to minimise human interference. The concept of interviews has already been removed at certain recruitment levels in the state. The HPRCA will have two more members, who have been selected.”

Replying to a question about the disbanded HPSSC and the recruitments it conducted, Kumar said, “There are at least six cases related to recruitments carried out by the previous HPSSC. These recruitments are under review, and all decisions will be made according to the established norms and rules.”

Kumar also said although his appointment was notified in September, health issues delayed his oath-taking by about two months.

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Formed in 1998, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government disbanded the HPSSC in January 2023 following allegations of corruption and malpractices. The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau have registered several FIRs against HPSSC officials and seized “leaked exam papers”.

On September 30, 2023, the HPRCA was established to replace the HPSSC. The HPSSC was initially created to oversee Class III service recruitment for various government posts in Himachal Pradesh, except those outside its jurisdiction.

Rajiv Kumar, considered close to CM Sukhu, is also recognised for his role in the upcoming World-Class Zoological Park, Durgesh Aranya, at Bankhandi near Dehra in Kangra district.

Notably, senior IFS officer of the Haryana cadre Alok Verma was appointed as the chairman of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) by former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in October 2020, triggering resentment among the Haryana Cadre IAS officers both serving and retired.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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