PMO at the centre of CBI additional director appointment controversy

There are allegations that protocols weren't followed in appointing IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram as addl director

Controversy seems to surround the appointment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Archana Ramasundaram as additional director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). There are allegations protocols were not followed by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).

The ACC is headed by the prime minister, with the minister of home affairs and the minister in-charge of the ministry concerned being other members.

The blame for violating norms is likely to fall on the prime minister’s office.

Typically, the ACC takes the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for the post of additional director. An official said the ACC had overturned the recommendation and appointed Ramasundaram.

The additional director, under whom the anti-corruption zone falls, is second-in-command after the director at the CBI. The Patna, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai zones also report to the additional director.

It is learnt the CVC had proposed R K Pachnanda, IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, for additional director. But, ACC, after finding unfavourable reports against the officer, had asked the CVC to come up with another name. However, the CVC, put forth Pachnanda's candidature for a second time.

The official said the ACC then decided to appoint Tamil Nadu cadre officer Ramasundaram. A CBI spokesperson said the appointments were taken care of by the government and the agency had no involvement in the process.

The post of additional director has been vacant for a few months. Ramasundaram is yet to join office. If finally appointed, this would be the highest office any woman officer has ever held at the investigative agency.

Ramasundaram has worked in CBI earlier between 1999 and 2006 as the deputy inspector general and later as agency’s first joint director.