Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has promoted 64 Head Constables (HCs) of its Animal Transport Cadre to the newly-created post of Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) in the unit.
It was one of the most long-awaited and largest promotions in the history of one of the most difficult cadres in ITBP, Animal Transport (AT), which is stationed at remote border outposts in difficult terrain along the 3,488-kilometer- long mountainous border.
According to the statement from ITBP, the AT cadre is known for its top-of-the-class training for dogs. The ITBP also has ponies, mules, and yaks to support logistic supplies in harsh border areas, which are managed by its AT cadre officials.
The departmental promotion committee (DPC) was headed by DIG Sudhakar Natarajan, the senior officer of the Vet Cadre of the Force. The DPC had two other members who scrutinised the medical category, service records for five years, mandatory courses are done and integrity certificate among other parameters before recommending fitness for promotion.
All 64 posts of Assistant Sub Inspector in the AT cadre of ITBP are newly created posts to open promotion avenues for the personnel and boost the already high morale.
All 64 Head Constables will now become subordinate officers (SOs). All have put in 25-30 years of service in ITBP, the force said in the statement.
Reacting to the promotions, DIG Sudhakar Natarajan said, “There is no greater happiness for an officer. It is an honour to head this DPC and be bestowed with the onerous responsibility of ensuring the selection and promotion of 64 personnel. There is indeed no greater joy for me than this happy duty.”