Ahead of upcoming by-elections, the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has decided to assert greater control over the appointment of the state’s Director General of Police (DGP).
This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting late Monday, allows the state to bypass the traditional Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) panel process, marking a shift in the state’s administrative approach.
The new system will see the Uttar Pradesh government independently select the DGP, a responsibility that was previously managed by the central government.
A selection committee chaired by a retired High Court judge will facilitate this change. This committee will include key members such as:
- The Chief Secretary,
- A representative nominated by the UPSC,
- The Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission or a designated nominee,
- The Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary (Home), and
- A retired DGP
Uttar Pradesh Introduces Fixed Two-Year Tenure For DGP Following Leadership Instability
One of the notable aspects of this change is the introduction of a fixed two-year tenure for the DGP position, aligning Uttar Pradesh with Punjab as one of the few states in India to implement its own DGP appointment process.
The decision follows a period of leadership instability, as the Uttar Pradesh government removed the last full-time DGP, Mukul Goyal, in May 2022.
Since then, the state has been functioning with acting DGPs. Reports indicate that Prashant Kumar is the frontrunner for the full-time DGP role under this new selection framework.
Historically, the selection of the DGP in Uttar Pradesh followed a protocol where the government would submit names of eligible candidates – those with a minimum of 30 years of service and at least six months remaining in their tenure – to the UPSC for shortlisting.
The new rules specify that only officers currently serving at the DGP level in pay matrix level 16 can apply for the position.
Additionally, the state government retains the authority to remove a DGP from office if the DGP engages in criminal activities, corruption, or dereliction of duty before completing their term.
However, any dismissal must adhere to the High Court’s guidelines as outlined in the relevant legal provisions.
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