Jaipur/New Delhi: More than 100 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers of the Rajasthan cadre will now be required to go on mandatory central deputation following new rules issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Failure to comply with the new norms could block their career progression to senior positions such as Inspector General (IG), Additional Director General (ADG), and Director General (DG) at the central level.
The move marks a significant shift in the career framework for IPS officers, especially those belonging to the 2011 batch and onwards.
New Rule Makes Central Deputation Mandatory for Senior Empanelment
According to the new guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry, IPS officers must complete at least two years of central deputation to be eligible for empanelment to IG or equivalent posts in the Government of India.
This rule will apply to –
- All IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards
- Officers seeking appointments to senior posts in central government and central police organizations
Earlier, central deputation experience was optional, but under the revised framework, it has now become mandatory for upward mobility at the central level.
Rajasthan Chief Secretary Informs Eligible Officers
Following the Home Ministry’s directive, Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas formally informed eligible IPS officers of the state cadre about the new rules.
On February 3, the Chief Secretary held discussions with the concerned officers and explained the implications of the policy change, emphasizing its importance for long-term career growth.
Over 100 Rajasthan IPS Officers Covered Under New Rule
Rajasthan IPS Cadre Strength
- Total sanctioned IPS cadre strength: 222
- Currently posted IPS officers: 212
- IPS officers on central deputation: 8
Under the new Home Ministry rule –
- 108 IPS officers of the Rajasthan cadre from the 2011 batch and later fall under the mandatory central deputation requirement.
- These officers will need to be sent on central deputation in a phased manner, as per availability and administrative planning.
What Were the Previous Rules on Central Deputation?
Under the earlier system –
- IPS officers needed two years of central experience only if they were being deputed to the central government
- Central deputation was not compulsory
- Many IPS officers spent their entire careers in their state cadre
- Officers were often appointed to senior positions in central agencies even without any central experience
This resulted in a large number of senior officers lacking exposure to central institutions and national-level policing structures.
What Will Change Now?
With the implementation of the new rules –
- Two years of central deputation is mandatory for empanelment to IG and higher posts at the central level
- State governments will be required to send adequate nominations for deputation at the SP and DIG levels
- Officers without central experience will not be considered for senior appointments in central agencies
- Career progression to top central posts will now depend on both seniority and central exposure
Why Did the Central Government Introduce These Rules?
Explaining the rationale behind the move, former IPS officer Satyaveer told Dainik Bhaskar that the central government has long faced a shortage of capable officers in its central agencies.
According to him –
- Central organizations like the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), CBI, NIA, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) require experienced IPS officers
- State governments often hesitate to relieve capable officers
- When officers are sent, they are sometimes those not critically required by the state
- The central government, in turn, avoids absorbing officers who are not considered effective
The new rule aims to ensure a steady supply of capable and trained IPS officers to central agencies.
How Does Central Deputation Work?
The process of central deputation for IPS officers involves several stages –
- IPS officers become eligible after nine years of service in the state cadre
- Officers must apply for central deputation
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the state government
- Final approval is granted by the central government
- Deputation can be for a maximum of five years
- In special cases, a two-year extension may be granted
- After completion, officers must return to their parent state cadre
- Officers may again go on central deputation after serving three years in the state
Impact on State and Central Governments
Impact on Rajasthan
- Temporary shortage of experienced officers at the state level
- Better-trained officers returning after central exposure
- Improved policing practices and administrative efficiency
Impact on the Central Government
- Availability of skilled IPS officers for key central agencies
- Stronger leadership pipeline for national security institutions
- Uniform professional exposure among senior IPS officers
Chief Secretary Calls It a Career Opportunity
Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas described the new rule as a positive step for officers’ professional growth.
“This is an important opportunity for IPS careers. Experience gained at the central level empowers officers. The state administration also benefits from that experience,” he said.
