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

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.

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.