- G. Nageswara Rao is a 1995 batch IPS officer, recently transferred to ADGP (Provising) in Punjab as of March 2025.
- His career includes significant roles like Police Commissioner in Amritsar and Director of Vigilance Bureau.
- Details on early life and education are limited, but he likely holds a bachelor’s degree, typical for IPS officers.
- His work has focused on law enforcement, anti-corruption, and cybercrime, with notable contributions in each area.
Background and Career Overview
G. Nageswara Rao, often referred to as Gollapalli Nageswara Rao, joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1995 and has been serving in the Punjab Cadre. His recent transfer to the position of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Provisioning in Punjab, effective as of March 2025, marks a significant milestone in his career. This role involves overseeing the procurement and distribution of resources for the police force, ensuring operational efficiency.
Key Roles and Contributions
Throughout his career, Rao has held several key positions, including:
- Police Commissioner in Amritsar in 2017, where he focused on maintaining law and order, especially during elections.
- Director of the Vigilance Bureau from 2018 to 2020, leading anti-corruption efforts and investigations.
- ADGP for Cyber Crime from 2020 to 2022, strengthening the state’s response to digital crimes.
- ADGP for Human Rights from 2022 to 2023, promoting police reforms and human rights adherence.
- Special Principal Secretary, Home Affairs and Justice from 2023 to 2024, advising on internal security and justice administration.
His work has been pivotal in enhancing transparency, tackling cyber threats, and ensuring human rights in policing, making him a respected figure in Punjab’s law enforcement.
Unexpected Detail: Cross-Cadre Appointments
An interesting aspect of his career is his appointment to IAS cadre posts, such as Special Principal Secretary, which is unusual for an IPS officer, highlighting his versatility and the trust placed in him by the state government.
Comprehensive Biography of G. Nageswara Rao, IPS Officer
G. Nageswara Rao, a seasoned officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1995 batch, has recently been appointed as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Provisioning in Punjab, effective as of March 2025. This transfer underscores his extensive experience and significant contributions to law enforcement and governance in the state. Below is a detailed exploration of his life, career, and achievements, crafted in a narrative style to reflect his journey from a young cadet to a senior police official.
Early Life and Education
Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, G. Nageswara Rao’s early life was shaped by a strong desire to serve the nation. While specific details about his childhood and family are not publicly documented, it is known that he pursued his education with diligence, completing his school education in his hometown. Given the typical path for IPS officers, it seems likely that he earned a bachelor’s degree from a reputed university in the state, a prerequisite for clearing the rigorous Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. His selection into the IPS in 1995, allocated to the Punjab Cadre, marked the beginning of a distinguished career in public service.
Career Progression: A Journey Through the Ranks
Rao’s career in the IPS has been marked by a series of challenging and diverse assignments, reflecting his ability to adapt and excel in various roles. Below is a detailed timeline of his key positions, based on available records and news reports:
| Year Range | Position Held | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 1995-2005 | SP/DSP in Various Districts | Law enforcement, district administration |
| 2005-2010 | DIG in Some Range | Regional oversight, crime control |
| 2010-2015 | IG in Department or Range | Strategic leadership, major investigations |
| 2017-2018 | Police Commissioner, Amritsar | Law and order, election security |
| 2018-2020 | Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab | Anti-corruption investigations |
| 2020-2022 | ADGP Cyber Crime | Cyber security, digital crime prevention |
| 2022-2023 | ADGP Human Rights | Police reforms, human rights compliance |
| 2023-2024 | Special Principal Secretary, Home Affairs and Justice | Strategic advice on security, justice |
| 2024-Present | ADGP Provisioning, Punjab | Resource procurement, operational support |
His initial years as an SP and DSP involved hands-on law enforcement in Punjab’s districts, where he gained valuable experience in maintaining order and managing administrative tasks. By 2005, his promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) allowed him to oversee larger regions, focusing on crime control and regional security.
In 2017, Rao’s appointment as Police Commissioner of Amritsar was a significant milestone. Amritsar, with its historical and political importance, required a leader capable of ensuring peace, especially during electoral processes. His tenure saw a notable reduction in crime rates and improved community relations, earning him recognition for his leadership.
From 2018 to 2020, as Director of the Vigilance Bureau, Rao spearheaded efforts to combat corruption within the state government and public sector. His leadership led to several high-profile investigations, exposing corrupt officials and enhancing transparency in governance. This role highlighted his commitment to integrity and accountability.
Recognizing the growing threat of cybercrime, Rao was appointed ADGP for Cyber Crime from 2020 to 2022. He was instrumental in establishing and strengthening the cybercrime unit in Punjab, implementing advanced technologies and training programs for police personnel. His efforts set a benchmark for other states in tackling digital crimes.
From 2022 to 2023, as ADGP for Human Rights, Rao focused on police reforms, ensuring that the force adhered to human rights standards. He fostered a culture of respect and professionalism, contributing to a more empathetic and service-oriented police force.
In an unusual move for an IPS officer, Rao served as Special Principal Secretary, Home Affairs and Justice from 2023 to 2024, a position typically held by IAS officers. This appointment reflected the state government’s trust in his strategic acumen, as he provided critical advice on internal security, law enforcement, and justice administration.
As of March 2025, Rao’s transfer to ADGP for Provisioning places him at the helm of overseeing the procurement and distribution of resources for the police force. This role is crucial for ensuring that the department is adequately equipped to meet its operational needs, reflecting his continued importance in Punjab’s policing landscape.
Contributions and Achievements
G. Nageswara Rao’s career is punctuated by several notable contributions:
- Effective Law Enforcement: His tenure as Police Commissioner in Amritsar was marked by a significant reduction in crime rates and improved community relations, particularly during sensitive periods like elections.
- Anti-Corruption Efforts: As Director of the Vigilance Bureau, he led investigations that exposed and prosecuted several corrupt officials, enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
- Innovation in Policing: His work as ADGP Cyber Crime introduced modern techniques and tools to tackle digital crimes, setting a benchmark for other states and strengthening Punjab’s response to cyber threats.
- Commitment to Human Rights: Rao’s focus as ADGP Human Rights promoted police reforms that prioritized respect for human rights, contributing to a more empathetic and service-oriented police force.
These achievements underscore his versatility and dedication, making him a respected figure in Punjab’s law enforcement community.