Lucknow: In a major administrative development, the Uttar Pradesh government has formally sent a panel of names of more than three dozen senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission for the appointment of a full-time Director General of Police (DGP), complying with the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding police chief appointments in all states.
According to official sources, the Home Department submitted the panel on Tuesday, including eligible officers from the 1990 to 1996 IPS batches who have completed at least 30 years of service, as required under the established procedure for DGP selection.
The move is expected to pave the way for Uttar Pradesh to soon get its first full-time DGP after several years of acting appointments.
UPSC to Shortlist Three Names from Seniority-Based Panel
Under the Supreme Court-mandated process, the UPSC will now scrutinize the names sent by the state government and shortlist three officers based on seniority, service record, and eligibility.
The shortlisted panel will then be returned to the state government, which will make the final appointment by selecting one officer as the next full-time DGP.
A senior official said the Commission is expected to follow the established seniority order while preparing the final three-name panel.
Seniority List: Renuka Mishra Tops, Rajiv Krishna Likely to Be Final Choice
At present, seniority among eligible officers places Renuka Mishra at the top of the list. She is currently the senior-most eligible officer in the state cadre.
She is followed by –
- Alok Sharma – 1991 batch
- Piyush Anand – 1991 batch
- Rajiv Krishna – 1991 batch
While Renuka Mishra leads the seniority list, official circles indicate that Rajiv Krishna is emerging as the most likely candidate for final appointment once the UPSC returns its panel.
Rajiv Krishna Currently Serving as Fifth Consecutive Acting DGP
Rajiv Krishna is currently serving as Uttar Pradesh’s acting DGP and is the fifth consecutive officer to hold the post in acting capacity since 2022.
Before him, the post was held by –
- D. S. Chauhan
- R. K. Vishwakarma
- Vijay Kumar
- Prashant Kumar
The last full-time DGP in Uttar Pradesh was Mukul Goel, who was removed from the post on May 11, 2022.
Since then, the state has operated under acting DGP arrangements.
Over Three Dozen Officers Included in Proposal
Sources said the panel sent to UPSC includes names of more than 36 IPS officers, including DG-rank officers posted both in the state and on central deputation.
At present –
- 13 DG-level officers are posted within Uttar Pradesh
- 7 DG-level officers are serving on central deputation
The names of all eligible officers with over 30 years of service have been included as per procedure.
Central Deputation Officers Also Included
Two senior officers high in the seniority order are currently serving on central deputation:
- Alok Sharma is serving as DG of the Special Protection Group
- Piyush Anand is serving as DG of the National Disaster Response Force
Despite being on deputation, their names have been included in the proposal sent to UPSC.
Supreme Court Directions Revive Full-Time DGP Appointment Process
The latest action follows recent Supreme Court directions asking all states to ensure regular appointment of full-time police chiefs through UPSC-based empanelment.
The court has repeatedly stressed that DGP appointments must follow transparent norms based on:
- Seniority
- Minimum 30 years of service
- Service record
- Residual tenure
This is intended to prevent arbitrary appointments and ensure institutional stability in police leadership.
Final Decision Expected After UPSC Returns Panel
Once UPSC sends back the final three names, the Uttar Pradesh government will formally choose one officer and issue appointment orders.
Administrative sources believe the process may move quickly given the importance of appointing a permanent police chief in India’s largest state.
