It’s not every day that a coincidence this delightful unfolds in the corridors of Indian bureaucracy. On December 19, 2024, Alok Raj, a senior IPS officer of the 1989 Bihar cadre and former DGP of Bihar Police, was appointed Chairman of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC). Barely a day later, another Alok Raj - Major General Alok Raj of Rajasthan and who is the Chairman of similar agency in Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) - took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle (@alokrajRSSB) to celebrate this serendipity.

With a dash of humor, Major General Alok Raj posted in Hindi, which translates to: “This is a pleasant coincidence. Bihar's former DGP Alok Raj has been appointed Chairman of BSSC. In Rajasthan, this is called a Board. My heartiest congratulations. I am sure I shall be able to learn a lot from Bihar.”

The internet couldn’t get enough of this rare overlap: two distinguished public servants with the same name, each heading staff selection bodies in different states. But beyond the coincidence lies the fascinating journey of two men who’ve dedicated their lives to service and leadership in their respective fields.

Alok Raj, the Bihar cadre IPS officer of the 1989 batch, has worn many hats in his illustrious career. Known for his no-nonsense approach to policing, he was appointed as Bihar’s Director General of Police (DGP) in August 2024. This posting came with high expectations, particularly as the state gears up for its next assembly elections.

However, in a surprising turn of events, his tenure as DGP was cut short just a few months later. On December 19, he was handed a new assignment as the Chairman of BSSC. While the move raised eyebrows in administrative circles, Alok Raj, IPS, took the transition in stride, proving his versatility and commitment to public service.

On the other hand, Major General Alok Raj, PVSM, AVSM, boasts a storied military career spanning over 37 years. Commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry in 1983, he served with distinction, including a stint as a UN Military Observer in Angola from 1997 to 1998. Now the Chairman of the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, Major General Raj has brought his characteristic discipline and strategic acumen to the realm of governance.

His lighthearted tweet not only highlighted the coincidence but also revealed his camaraderie and respect for his namesake in Bihar. The message struck a chord, blending humor with a celebration of mutual excellence.

Despite their differing domains - one in the khaki-clad world of policing and the other in the regimented ranks of the armed forces - both Alok Rajs share a commitment to integrity, leadership, and public service. Their new roles at the helm of state selection bodies are poised to influence recruitment processes and governance frameworks, impacting thousands of lives.

While Bihar’s Alok Raj will oversee one of the state’s most critical recruitment commissions, Rajasthan’s Alok Raj continues to modernize and streamline his state’s selection processes.

In the often serious world of bureaucracy, this cheerful coincidence serves as a reminder of the human side of public service. Major General Alok Raj’s tweet not only brought a smile to many faces but also highlighted the shared values and dedication that define the lives of India’s public servants.

As the two Alok Rajs lead their respective boards, one can’t help but wonder: what are the odds of such a delightful intersection of names and roles? Whatever the answer, it’s a story worth telling - and remembering. 

BI Bureau