After nearly four years of delay, the Punjab government has finally initiated the process to appoint a regular Director General of Police (DGP), responding to repeated nudges from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and observations from the Supreme Court.
Since coming to power in 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government had not sent a panel of eligible IPS officers to the UPSC, a mandatory step in appointing a full-time DGP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed the move, stating, “We are in the process of sending a panel. We will follow rules.”
The UPSC had written to the state twice—on February 18 and March 5—seeking the panel. In its latest communication, UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan Kumar urged the Punjab Chief Secretary to personally ensure compliance, citing directions from the Supreme Court of India to submit the proposal within ten days.
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DELAY, DEVIATION AND COURSE CORRECTION
Currently, Gaurav Yadav, a 1992-batch IPS officer, has been serving as acting DGP since July 2022. His appointment had superseded several senior officers, raising questions over adherence to established norms.
As per the standard procedure, the UPSC shortlists three candidates based on seniority, experience, and service records. The state government then selects one from this panel.
In 2023, Punjab attempted to bypass this process through the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, proposing a state-level selection committee. However, the bill remains pending with the President.
The state has now requested the UPSC to include the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) in the empanelment committee, as the current acting DGP is himself a contender and cannot participate in the selection process.
The issue gained further attention on March 12, when the Supreme Court pulled up Punjab and other states for failing to comply with its guidelines on DGP appointments.
With the panel now expected to be sent, Punjab may finally move towards appointing a regular police chief, bringing an end to a prolonged administrative uncertainty.
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