Former IAS officer Karnataka cadre n present CMD ITPO Pradeep Singh Kharola is a new DG of NTA – NEET
The retired IAS officer of Karnataka cadre from Dehradun, the present CMD ITPO having worked on various important positions earlier also former chairman and Managing director of Air India and Karnataka, Bangalore Metro Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the DG of National Testing Agency currently under controversy due to the alleged leak of NEET examination papers etc in place of the outgoing DG Subodh Kumar Singh , IAS shunted out from this position by the union government. According to the letter of appointment of DOPT posted on social media X by union ministery of education : The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved that the assignment of the additional charge of the post of Director General , National Testing Agency , Ministry of education to Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola , IAS ( KN: B5) ( Retd) , Chairman and Managing Director , Indian Trade Promotion Organisation , till appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders , whichever usearkier n placing the services of Shri Subodh Kumar Singh IAS , DG of NTS , ministry of education in compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training wrote the order issued by the Secretary , Appointments Committee of the Cabinet n Establishment Officer.
It may be recalled that the NEET related NTA controversy regarding paper leaks spoiling or affecting the future of over alleged 13 lakh aspirants has resulted in widespread protest demonstrations in the country with IYC, NSUI, Students n youth wings of AAP and Students Federation of India activists staging agitation at Shastri Bhawan and the residence of union education minister demanding the resignation of the minister concerned Mr.Pradhan. The new appointee given additional charge as DG of NTS former IAS Pradeep Singh Kharola is currently the DG of ITPO n had held various important positions viz. Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism Department, Karnataka, infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation of Karnataka chairman, Managing Director Karnataka Rajya Sadak Parivahan Nigam, CMD of Air India and Karnataka Metro etc.
