Shillong: Meghalaya could face uncertainty over the leadership of its police force as Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang approaches the end of her six-month service extension on November 19, 2026.
The state government has reportedly not submitted the required proposal to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for convening the Empanelment Committee Meeting (ECM), which is necessary to prepare a panel of eligible officers for appointment as the next DGP.
The UPSC is reported to have written to the Meghalaya government on May 14, followed by reminders on August 5 and September 24. The September communication was marked as Reminder-II and sought compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions on the appointment of regular police chiefs.
With the deadline approaching, the delay has raised questions about whether the selection process can be completed before Nongrang’s extended tenure ends, or whether the state could see an interim arrangement.
Who Is Idashisha Nongrang?
Idashisha Nongrang is a 1992-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She made history in May 2024 when she became Meghalaya’s first woman DGP.
A native of Meghalaya, Nongrang belongs to the direct-recruitment stream of the IPS. According to the IPS Civil List, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours.
Previous Roles and Administrative Experience
Before taking charge as Meghalaya’s police chief, Nongrang held several senior responsibilities within the state police establishment.
Her documented assignments include:
- Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills: She previously served as SP of East Khasi Hills district.
- Special Director General of Police: She held the position of Special DGP in Meghalaya before being appointed to the top police post.
- Director General, Civil Defence and Home Guards: She was serving as Director General of Civil Defence and Home Guards when she was selected as the state’s regular DGP in May 2024.
Her appointment followed the retirement of then DGP L.R. Bishnoi on May 19, 2024. The UPSC had recommended a panel of three officers for the post, from which the state government selected Nongrang.
How Long Has Nongrang Served as Meghalaya DGP?
Nongrang was appointed Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) for a fixed two-year tenure, beginning May 20, 2024, and ending May 19, 2026.
However, in February 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a six-month extension of her service beyond May 19, allowing her to continue until November 19, 2026.
The extension was granted in relaxation of Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, as a special case in public interest.
Her extended tenure is now approaching its conclusion, making the timely appointment of her successor an important administrative requirement.
UPSC Sent Three Communications Seeking DGP Appointment Proposal
The delay in initiating the selection process has attracted attention because the Supreme Court has laid down a specific procedure for appointing state police chiefs.
According to reports citing the UPSC’s communications, the Commission had sought Meghalaya’s proposal on May 14, 2026. It subsequently sent reminders on August 5 and September 24, with the latter marked as Reminder-II.
The proposal is required for convening the Empanelment Committee Meeting, through which eligible senior IPS officers are assessed and a panel is prepared for the state government’s consideration.
The Supreme Court’s directions in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India case provide that:
- States must forward their proposals to the UPSC at least three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement.
- The UPSC prepares a panel of eligible officers based on seniority, service record and experience.
- The state government must appoint the regular DGP from the panel recommended by the UPSC.
- States should not appoint an acting DGP, as the Supreme Court has held that there is no provision for such an arrangement under its prescribed framework.
- A regular DGP is ordinarily entitled to a minimum tenure of two years, subject to the applicable conditions.
In February 2026, the Supreme Court also reiterated its position against delays in the appointment process and allowed the UPSC to issue reminders and initiate contempt proceedings in cases of non-compliance.
What Has the Meghalaya Government Said?
The delay had earlier drawn criticism from the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP), which sought an explanation from the state government over the pending proposal.
VPP spokesperson Dr. A.W. Rani referred to the UPSC’s September 24 communication and questioned why the government had not submitted the required documents despite repeated reminders.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who handles the Home (Police) portfolio, however, maintained that the government was following the prescribed procedure.
Responding to the opposition’s allegations on October 15, Tynsong questioned the claim of delay and said the state was complying with the requirements of the UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He also invited VPP representatives to meet him personally if they wanted further clarification on the matter.
Will Meghalaya Get an Acting DGP?
The possibility of an interim police chief has emerged because Nongrang’s extended tenure is scheduled to end on November 19, while the reported UPSC empanelment process remains pending.
However, an acting DGP appointment would raise questions under the Supreme Court’s existing directions, which explicitly reject the practice of appointing police chiefs on an acting basis.
The immediate development to watch is whether the Meghalaya government submits the required proposal and the UPSC completes the empanelment process before the incumbent’s extended tenure ends.
As of November 10, no official announcement naming Nongrang’s successor has been identified.
Read Also: Meghalaya DGP Appointment Delay: Opposition Seeks Answers as UPSC Awaits Government Proposal
