The Central government has issued a stern warning to states regarding 203 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers who have yet to participate in the Special Foundation Course (SFC) at Dr. MCR HRD Institute, Hyderabad. In a letter dated September 17, Under Secretary D. K. Ghosh addressed the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs), emphasizing that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had mandated the completion of the SFC for backlog officers from the 2018 to 2022 batches.
The letter underscored that these officers have not yet completed the required training. According to the Indian Police Service (Probation) Rules of 1954, any probationer who disobeys orders or neglects their probationary responsibilities can face disciplinary measures under Rules 11 (3) and 12 (c) and (d).
The Ministry has records of 203 direct-recruit IPS officers who have yet to undergo this crucial training. When including additional backlog officers from previous years, the total count rises to 443. Additionally, the data reveals that 93 officers from other services belonging to the 2020 and earlier batches, and 350 officers from the 2021 to 2024 batches also fall under the backlog category.
The letter further warned that any officer who fails to attend the course, despite being nominated, will face disciplinary action under the relevant rules. Ghosh assured that details regarding the course, including the coordinator and joining instructions, would be communicated by the institute.
He also clarified that the expenses for attending the training, including travel, accommodation, and meals, would be covered as per the Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) rules applicable to official tours. These costs will be borne by the respective Central Civil Authority (CCA) for Central Civil Services or by the cadre states or Union Territories for All India Services.