IPS Officer P.D. Nitya (Nitya Durga Potluri)

In the hallowed corridors of the Indian Police Service (IPS), Potluri Durga Nitya, fondly known as PD Nitya, emerges as a shining beacon of dedication and resilience. Hailing from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels her through the intricate landscapes of civil services.

A B.Tech in Chemical Engineering and an early stint in the corporate sector laid the foundation for a distinguished career. With a penchant for tackling ground realities, P.D. Nitya secured an impressive rank in the Civil Services Exam 2015, marking the commencement of her transformative service to the nation.

As her narrative unfolds, it reveals not only a committed officer but a woman of substance, navigating personal tragedies with grace and steering through the complex terrains of Jammu & Kashmir with unwavering resolve.

In this exclusive feature, we delve into the life and journey of IPS Officer PD Nitya – a leader, a catalyst for change, and an inspiration in every sense.

Early Life and Education

Potluri Durga Nitya, known widely as P.D. Nitya, is an exemplary Indian Police Service (IPS) officer whose journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to public service. Hailing from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, she was born into a middle-class family. With a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Raipur, her inclination towards civil services manifested early.

Civil Services Journey

PD Nitya embarked on her civil services journey after resigning from a job at ACC Limited (Cement). Her graduation in Chemical Engineering provided her insights into industrial applications, manufacturing sector challenges, cost optimization, and environmental sustainability. This experience, particularly in a remote location like Chandrapur, Maharashtra, fueled her passion for addressing ground realities.

In the 2015 Civil Services Exam, she secured an impressive rank of 213. P.D Nitya did her probation at Police Station Rajbagh and was posted as SDPO Nehru Park Srinagar where she served for more than a year. Her dedication and pragmatic approach to problem-solving earned her the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Jammu & Kashmir Police in February 2020.

Tragic Personal Loss

In November 2023, PD Nitya faced a personal tragedy when she lost her parents in a road accident in Chhattisgarh. The Ladakh Police mourned the loss, highlighting the sacrifices made by officers in the line of duty.

PD Nitya’s Leadership Roles

Her leadership roles include serving as SP in North Jammu and later as SP in Ramban, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to diverse terrains. Her career took an unexpected turn when she was posted as SSP Doda in January 2024, only to be swiftly transferred to Pulwama.

It is pertinent to mention here that P D Nitya became the shortest-serving Senior Superintendent of Police of Doda district as she was transferred to Pulwama hours after assuming the charge of a new district.

Navigating Uncharted Territories

P.D. Nitya’s indomitable spirit and leadership acumen reached its pinnacle during the historic abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. As the security tempo escalated in preparation for the Amarnath Yatra, little did she know that the subsequent events would etch her name into the annals of challenging assignments.

The unfolding of the plan on August 5, 2019, shrouded in secrecy, thrust Nitya and her colleagues into unforeseen circumstances, akin to a culmination of their rigorous training at the National Police Academy. With communication lines blacked out, the isolation experienced within heightened the infectious atmosphere of uncertainty.

Resorting to traditional wireless sets due to a telecommunication blackout, Nitya and her team provided a lifeline by offering their official phones to the public for free, connecting numerous individuals with their loved ones.

Amidst deserted streets and occasional law and order challenges, Nitya was tasked with shifting political leaders to a designated sub-jail, a critical operation in the backdrop of escalating tensions. Leading from the front, she and her team confronted a volatile situation, facing a barrage of stones, demonstrating extraordinary courage.

This challenging period illuminated Nitya’s leadership philosophy: internalizing and practising the principles of duty, instilling pride in the uniform, and fostering a deep connection between officers and their responsibilities. As the rest of the nation grappled with the extraordinary events, for Nitya and her team on the ground, the test was not just in surviving but excelling under immense mental stress, showcasing the resilience and determination that define her career.

Outlook and Philanthropic Initiatives

PD Nitya believes in the transformative power of governance. She emphasizes the need for the right people in the system and sees civil services as an opportunity to bring pragmatic solutions to problems. In addition to her official duties, she actively engages in philanthropic initiatives, connecting with the community she serves.

Ongoing Commitment

Currently posted in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district as Senior Superintendent of Police, P.D. Nitya faces the challenges of working in the valley. As she navigates the complexities, her focus remains on the well-being of the community and ensuring law and order prevail.

P.D. Nitya’s journey reflects her dedication to service, resilience in the face of personal loss, and a commitment to making a positive impact in every role she undertakes.