• Source:JND
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The Uttar Pradesh government approved a new process for selecting the state's Director General of Police (DGP). The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting on Monday, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where the "Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules 2024" was approved. The new rules will allow the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint the highest-ranking police officer in the state without requiring Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) approval. 

This move comes with the creation of a six-member committee led by a retired High Court judge tasked with selecting the DGP. The committee will include the Chief Secretary, a UPSC representative, the Chairman or nominee of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of Home and a former DGP. 

Service Record And Experience As To Be Key Criteria

Uttar Pradesh now joins Punjab, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as states that have adopted independent DGP appointment rules. The new framework prioritises the service record and experience of the candidates, stipulating that eligible officers must have at least six months left before retirement. Additionally, the rules mandate a minimum two-year term for the DGP, though the government reserves the right to dismiss the officer if performance is unsatisfactory.

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Potential Candidate Consideration

Under the new guidelines, current acting DGP Prashant Kumar, who is set to retire on May 31, may be considered due to his remaining tenure exceeding six months. Prashant Kumar is the fourth acting DGP since the last permanent appointment and his eligibility aligns with the selection committee’s criteria.

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Changes From Previous Selection Process

Previously, the government would submit a list of officers with over 30 years of service and a minimum of six months remaining to UPSC, which then recommended a panel of three candidates for the state’s selection. The new arrangement enables the state to make autonomous appointments, aligning with a Supreme Court directive from 2006 encouraging states to develop independent frameworks to shield police leadership from external pressures.