The Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, recently passed by the state assembly, marks a significant step towards granting autonomy to the state in selecting its police chief. The bill aims to circumvent the role of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and establish a committee designated by the state to choose the Director General of Police.
Background: A Shift in Selection Process
Punjab becomes the third state after Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to remove the process of selecting the state police chief from the purview of the UPSC. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana took similar measures by amending their respective police acts to empower the state government in the selection process. The Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, now follows suit, asserting the state’s authority in appointing its police chief.
Key Provisions of the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- The Punjab government’s amendment bill introduces the formation of a seven-member empanelment committee responsible for selecting the state police chief. The committee will be chaired by a retired chief justice or retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ensuring impartiality and expertise in the selection process.
- Other committee members will include nominees from the UPSC, the Union Home Ministry, the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the Chairman or nominee of the Punjab Public Service Commission, the Administrative Secretary of the State Department of Home Affairs and Justice, and a retired state police chief of Punjab.
Selection Process and Criteria
- Under the proposed amendment, the empanelment committee will prepare a panel of three senior-most officers from the pool of eligible Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. The selection will be based on various factors, including length of service, outstanding record, and diverse experience in leading the police force. The final selection will be made on merit from this panel of eligible officers.
- To be considered for the position of the state police chief, IPS officers of the Punjab cadre must have been promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) and have completed a minimum of 30 years of service, with a residual tenure of at least six months as of the date of the vacancy. This criterion ensures that only experienced and capable officers are eligible for the top leadership position in the Punjab Police.
Rationale: State Autonomy and Tailored Leadership
The Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, reflects the state’s belief in its exclusive power to enact laws related to “public order” and “police.” By shifting the selection process away from the UPSC, Punjab aims to exercise its autonomy and ensure that the state police chief aligns more closely with its specific requirements and objectives. The bill acknowledges the need for tailored leadership and effective management of the Punjab Police force. By empowering the state legislature to oversee the selection of the police chief, Punjab aims to ensure that the leadership possesses a deep understanding of the state’s unique challenges and can effectively address them.