The Uttar Pradesh government has started the final phase of appointing a full-time Director General of Police (DGP), with senior officials holding discussions with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The meeting was held as part of the process laid down by the Supreme Court for the appointment of regular police chiefs in states.
Senior Officials Meet UPSC Authorities
According to officials familiar with the development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary SP Goyal and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad met UPSC authorities to discuss the preparation of a shortlist of eligible IPS officers for the state’s top police post.
The UPSC is expected to send a panel of three senior officers to the state government in the coming days. After receiving the panel, the government will seek vigilance clearance for the shortlisted officers before moving ahead with the final appointment.
The final decision on the appointment will be taken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath based on administrative suitability and service record.
Rajeev Krishna Seen as Leading Candidate
Among the officers being considered for the post are senior IPS officers Renuka Mishra, Piyush Anand and acting DGP Rajeev Krishna.
Sources in the administration indicated that Rajeev Krishna is currently the strongest contender for the position. He has been serving as the acting DGP since May last year after the retirement of former police chief Prashant Kumar. In addition to his present role, he is also handling the charge of Director General, Vigilance.
If selected, Rajeev Krishna would become the first full-time DGP appointed in Uttar Pradesh after a long period of interim arrangements at the top level of the police department.
Supreme Court Had Raised Concerns
Uttar Pradesh has functioned with acting police chiefs for an extended period following the removal of former DGP Mukul Goel. The absence of a regular appointment had drawn criticism from the Supreme Court, which had asked states to avoid prolonged officiating arrangements.
The apex court had directed all state governments to appoint permanent DGPs through the UPSC empanelment system to ensure transparency and stability in police leadership.
Under the prescribed procedure, the UPSC prepares a list of eligible senior IPS officers, from which the state government selects one officer for appointment as the DGP.
