Two-year Central deputation as SP or DIG mandatory for IPS officers seeking IG rank at Centre: MHA
New Delhi, January 31
The Ministry of Home Affairs has made it mandatory for Indian Police Service officers to complete a minimum of two years of Central deputation at the rank of Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General, or an equivalent level for empanelment as Inspector General or equivalent at the Centre.
The new rule will apply to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.
Officials said the move is intended to ensure sufficient Central-level experience before officers are considered for senior leadership positions in the Central government.
As per an official communication issued by the MHA on January 28, the IPS officers must complete at least "two years of Central experience at the rank of SP, DIG or equivalent level to be eligible for empanelment as IG or equivalent at the Centre. The new provision will apply to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards."
The letter has been addressed to all Chief Secretaries of state governments, directing them to bring the revised guideline to the notice of all IPS officers serving in their respective cadres.
Copies of the communication have also been forwarded to all Directors General of Police (DGsP) of state governments, Director (SM), Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Union Territory division of MHA, and other senior officials concerned.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been requested to upload the communication on the official IPS website under the "What's New" section.
Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring adequate Central-level exposure for IPS officers before their empanelment to senior leadership positions in the Central government.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step for uniformity, but hope the states cooperate and don't hold back good officers from central deputation. Sometimes there is a tug-of-war for talent between the centre and the states.
Practical experience at the centre is crucial. Policing issues in Delhi or handling central agencies is very different from state police work. This should improve coordination between state and central police forces.
While the intent is good, I hope this doesn't become just another "box-ticking" exercise. The quality of the deputation and the actual exposure matters more than just completing two years. The MHA must ensure meaningful postings.
This will definitely help in building a national perspective. Officers who have only worked in one state sometimes lack the broader view needed for top central posts. Smart policy.
Applying to the 2011 batch onwards seems fair. Gives younger officers a clear career path. But what about the shortage of IPS officers at the state level? If too many go on central deputation, state policing might suffer.
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