Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is set to get a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) after a gap of nearly four years.UP govt has initiated the process by forwarding the names of eligible IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission, in compliance with guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.According to state home department officials, the list sent earlier this week includes the names of 18 senior IPS officers, including present DGP Rajeev Krishna, who have completed the mandatory 30 years of service. Most of these officers are from the 1990 to 1996 batches.The UPSC will now scrutinise the list and shortlist three candidates based on seniority, service record, and range of experience before sending the final panel back to the state govt for a final decision.The senior most officer in the list is 1990 batch officer Renuka Mishra, followed by 1991 batch’s Alok Sharma and Piyush Anand, both currently on central deputation. Sharma is the director of the Special Protection Group, while Anand heads the National Disaster Response Force. The incumbent DGP, Rajeev Krishna, also figures prominently in the seniority list and is considered a strong contender for continuation.Other officers in the list nclude PC Meena, Ashutosh Pandey, Anand Swaroop, Sanjay Singhal, and SB Shiradkar. Officials said once the UPSC returns the shortlisted names, govt is expected to take a swift decision, with indication that continuity in leadership may be preferred. Uttar Pradesh has not had a permanent DGP since the removal of Mukul Goel in May 2022, following which the state has seen a series of acting DGPs, including DS Chauhan, RK Vishwakarma, Vijaya Kumar, Prashant Kumar and the incumbent Rajeev Krishna.Senior officials said that IPS officers on central deputation must obtain a no-objection certificate from the Union ministry of home affairs to be considered for appointment as DGP in their cadre state. Failure to secure clearance or unwillingness to assume the role can render an officer ineligible. The UPSC empanelment committee, headed by its chairperson or a member, includes the Union home secretary or nominee, the state’s chief secretary, the incumbent DGP, and a representative from a central police organisation nominated by the MHA.As per the prescribed criteria, the empanelment process also assesses whether an officer has at least 10 years of experience in key policing domains. These include law and order management at district, zonal or range levels; specialised investigation wings such as CID, Economic Offences Wing, cyber crime, and anti-corruption units; as well as Intelligence/Special Branch, counter-terror, and security assignments.Experience gained through deputation to premier central agencies is also a crucial factor, including postings in the IB, RAW, CBI, NIA, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, SPG, National Security Guard, Central Armed Police Forces and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.
