Patna: The Bihar government has initiated the process of appointing international cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) under its recently expanded policy for the direct recruitment of outstanding sportspersons into government service.
Officials said the General Administration Department has forwarded a proposal to the Home Department after a selection committee constituted for sportsperson appointments approved the names of both players.
Following the committee’s recommendation, administrative formalities are now underway. Once appointed, both cricketers will be posted under the Home Department.
Reward For International Sporting Achievement
The proposal cites the achievements of Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as members of the Indian cricket team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Akash Deep has also represented India in Test cricket, including recent series against England, strengthening his credentials under the state’s sports recruitment policy.
The appointments form part of Bihar’s efforts to reward sporting excellence and encourage athletes to pursue careers in competitive sports.
Double Celebration For Akash Deep
The development comes at a significant moment for Akash Deep, who is also preparing for his wedding later this month.
The fast bowler, a native of Baddi village in Rohtas district, is scheduled to marry Akshita Raj of Dehri-on-Sone on 24 June in Varanasi.
Preparations for the ceremony are reportedly in their final stages.
Earlier this month, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited Akash Deep’s ancestral home in Baddi village and met the cricketer and his family, extending his congratulations ahead of the wedding.
During the visit, Akash Deep presented the deputy chief minister with a Team India jersey, while family members welcomed him in keeping with local traditions.
From Bihar Villages To Team India
Mukesh Kumar, who hails from Kakarkund village in Gopalganj district, has emerged as one of Bihar’s most successful contemporary cricketers.
Born on 12 October 1993, Mukesh’s rise from a modest background to international cricket has frequently been cited as an example of perseverance and determination.
Both players are regarded as role models for aspiring sportspersons across the state.
Pay Level-9 Benefits
Under the proposed appointments, the two cricketers will be entitled to salary, allowances and service benefits applicable to officers recruited under Pay Level-9 of the Bihar government.
The appointments, however, will initially remain provisional for six months, pending completion of character verification and other statutory checks.
Officials said their services will be regularised only after all reports are found satisfactory.
Five-Year Sporting Commitment
As part of the state’s sports quota policy, athletes receiving government employment are required to sign a bond committing them to remain active in competitive sports for five years after appointment.
Failure to participate in sporting activities during the stipulated period could affect the confirmation of their service.
The Bihar State Sports Authority has already verified the sporting credentials and certificates submitted by both players.
The government has also stated that if any document relating to educational qualifications, domicile status or sporting achievements is later found to be incorrect or forged, the appointment will be cancelled and action taken under the applicable rules.
Officials added that domicile verification remains mandatory under Bihar’s sports recruitment policy, and final appointment orders will be issued only after all formalities have been completed.
The move follows the Bihar cabinet’s recent approval of amended recruitment rules aimed at providing greater government employment opportunities to athletes who have excelled at national and international levels.
