Alok Sharma, a seasoned officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new head of the Special Protection Group (SPG). The SPG, a prestigious security unit entrusted with safeguarding the Prime Minister, operates directly under the Cabinet Secretariat of the Central Government.
The official announcement came through a government order sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, solidifying Sharma’s role in leading this professional and contemporary security force. Currently serving as the additional director general of SPG, Alok Sharma has been at the helm since the unfortunate passing of SPG director Arun Kumar Sinha on September 6.
Arun Kumar Sinha’s tenure, spanning from 2016 to 2023, marked him as the longest-serving director of the SPG. The recent order appointing Alok Sharma does not specify the duration of his new assignment, indicating that he will serve until further orders from the authorities.
Alok Sharma, known for his strategic planning and tech-savvy approach to policing, is a native of Aligarh. His distinguished career in the IPS includes notable roles such as Superintendent of Police in Unnao, Moradabad, and Bulandshahr. He has also served as Inspector General of Police in Prayagraj, Bareilly, and Meerut. Sharma gained acclaim for his adept handling of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 2013, showcasing his organizational prowess.
Before assuming his current role in SPG, Alok Sharma had postings in Uttarakhand before going on deputation to the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in 2017. Later that same year, he was appointed as Inspector General in SPG, highlighting his consistent upward trajectory within the police force.
As the new chief of SPG, Alok Sharma brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for effective leadership. His appointment is expected to further enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the SPG, reinforcing the unit’s commitment to ensuring the security of the nation’s highest office. The IPS officer’s tenure will undoubtedly be closely watched as he takes charge of this crucial responsibility, continuing the legacy of excellence set by his predecessors.