Uttar Pradesh Moves to End Four-Year DGP Vacancy with Permanent Appointment
Lucknow: The state of Uttar Pradesh is poised to finally secure a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) after an extended gap of nearly four years, marking a significant development in its law enforcement administration. The state government has formally initiated the crucial appointment process by forwarding a comprehensive list of eligible Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This action is in strict compliance with the established guidelines mandated by the Supreme Court of India, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection procedure.
List of 18 Senior IPS Officers Submitted for Scrutiny
According to officials from the state home department, the list dispatched earlier this week encompasses the names of 18 senior IPS officers who have completed the mandatory 30 years of service. The incumbent DGP, Rajeev Krishna, is prominently featured among these candidates and is widely regarded as a strong contender for continuation in the role. Most officers on the list hail from the 1990 to 1996 batches, bringing decades of policing experience to the table.
The senior-most officer in the roster is 1990 batch officer Renuka Mishra, followed closely by 1991 batch officers Alok Sharma and Piyush Anand, both of whom are currently on central deputation. Sharma serves as the director of the elite Special Protection Group (SPG), while Anand commands the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Other notable officers included in the list are PC Meena, Ashutosh Pandey, Anand Swaroop, Sanjay Singhal, and SB Shiradkar, each with distinguished careers in various policing domains.
UPSC to Shortlist Three Candidates Based on Rigorous Criteria
The UPSC will now undertake a meticulous scrutiny of the submitted list, evaluating each candidate based on seniority, service record, and the breadth of their professional experience. Following this assessment, the commission will shortlist three candidates and return the final panel to the state government for the ultimate decision. Officials indicate that once the shortlisted names are received, the government is expected to make a swift appointment, with indications suggesting a preference for continuity in leadership to ensure stability in the police force.
Uttar Pradesh has been without a permanent DGP since the removal of Mukul Goel in May 2022. Since then, the state has witnessed a series of acting DGPs, including DS Chauhan, RK Vishwakarma, Vijaya Kumar, Prashant Kumar, and the current incumbent Rajeev Krishna. This prolonged period of interim leadership has underscored the urgency for a permanent appointment to provide consistent direction and governance to the state's police apparatus.
Central Deputation and Experience Requirements Key to Eligibility
Senior officials have clarified that IPS officers currently on central deputation must obtain a no-objection certificate from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to be considered for appointment as DGP in their cadre state. Failure to secure this clearance or an unwillingness to assume the role can render an officer ineligible for the position, adding a layer of procedural rigor to the selection process.
The UPSC empanelment committee, chaired by its chairperson or a member, includes the Union home secretary or their nominee, the state's chief secretary, the incumbent DGP, and a representative from a central police organization nominated by the MHA. This diverse committee ensures a holistic evaluation of each candidate's suitability for the top police post.
Comprehensive Assessment of Policing Domains and Experience
As per the prescribed criteria, the empanelment process rigorously assesses whether an officer possesses at least 10 years of experience in key policing domains. These critical areas include law and order management at district, zonal, or range levels; specialized investigation wings such as the CID, Economic Offences Wing, cyber crime, and anti-corruption units; as well as Intelligence/Special Branch, counter-terrorism, and security assignments.
Experience gained through deputation to premier central agencies is also a crucial factor in the evaluation. This includes postings in esteemed organizations like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, SPG, National Security Guard, Central Armed Police Forces, and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. Such diverse exposure is considered invaluable for the multifaceted role of the state's top police officer.
The impending appointment is eagerly awaited across Uttar Pradesh, as it promises to bring much-needed permanence and strategic vision to the state's law enforcement leadership, enhancing public safety and administrative efficiency.
