Shankar Jiwal resigns as Tamil Nadu Fire Commission chairman; Sunil Kumar quits recruitment board post

Former Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has tendered his resignation from the post of Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Fire Commission. The resignation was submitted on Wednesday, along with three other members of the commission, all citing personal reasons. The development was confirmed by official sources.

The Tamil Nadu Fire Commission was established by the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government to advise on fire safety measures, prevention strategies, and to enhance the state's fire and rescue services. Mr. Jiwal, a seasoned police officer who served as the state's DGP, was appointed as its first chairman after his retirement from the police force.

In a separate but related development, former DGP Sunil Kumar also stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board. Mr. Kumar had previously served as a member of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. His resignation, too, was attributed to personal reasons, according to sources.

The Uniformed Services Recruitment Board is responsible for conducting recruitment for various uniformed services in the state, including police, fire and rescue services, and prison department. The board plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and efficiency in the hiring process.

The resignations come at a time when the state government is reviewing the functioning of various commissions and boards constituted by the previous administration. However, officials have not linked these resignations to any policy changes or pressures. The personal reasons cited by the individuals suggest that the decisions were voluntary.

Both Mr. Jiwal and Mr. Kumar are highly respected officers who have had illustrious careers in the Tamil Nadu Police. Mr. Jiwal, known for his administrative acumen, held several key positions before becoming the DGP. Similarly, Mr. Kumar served in various capacities, including as Chennai Police Commissioner, and was later appointed to the Uniformed Services Recruitment Board.

The state government is expected to appoint new chairpersons for both positions in due course. In the interim, the existing members of the commissions will continue to carry out the necessary functions to ensure no disruption in their respective mandates.

Shankar Jiwal, an IPS officer of the 1990 batch, had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He served as the Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, and as the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, before retiring. His appointment as the first chairman of the Fire Commission was seen as a move to leverage his vast experience in administration and security for enhancing fire safety in the state.

Sunil Kumar, also a former DGP, is known for his tenure as the Chennai Police Commissioner and later as the head of the state police force. He was appointed as the chairman of the Uniformed Services Recruitment Board after his retirement and also served as a member of the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

The resignations, though officially for personal reasons, have led to speculation in political circles. However, no further details have been disclosed. The state government has maintained that it respects the personal decisions of the officers and will fill the vacancies following due process.

These resignations have sparked discussions about the continuity of such commissions, especially those set up in the previous regime. However, experts note that personal reasons are often genuine and that such resignations are not uncommon in administrative setups.

The Tamil Nadu Fire Commission, formed in 2022, has been tasked with recommending measures to improve fire safety infrastructure in urban and rural areas, conducting fire audits, and advising on disaster management protocols. Its formation was seen as a significant step towards bolstering public safety in the state.

Similarly, the Uniformed Services Recruitment Board has been instrumental in streamlining the recruitment process, ensuring that it is free from malpractices and delays. The board has conducted several successful recruitment drives for police constables and fire service personnel in recent years.

As the state awaits official reactions, the focus remains on the smooth transition of these roles. The government has assured that the work of the commissions will continue without interruption.