The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently introduced revised guidelines for the appointment of State Directors General of Police (DGPs). This article breaks down the amendments and features significant police reforms in India.
Key Amendments in UPSC Guidelines for DGP Selection
The UPSC’s new amendments provide clarity in selection norms, introducing explicit criteria to prevent favoritism and unfair appointments. One significant amendment is the service tenure requirement, which only considers officers with a minimum of six months of service left before retirement. This change discourages the practice of extending tenures through biased appointments of officers on the brink of retirement.
The experience requirements for the DGP position have also been revised. While the previous requirement was a minimum of 30 years of service, the new guidelines allow officers with 25 years of experience to be eligible. The guidelines also limit the shortlisted officers for the DGP position to three, with exceptions allowed only under specific circumstances.
The areas of expertise necessary for an IPS officer vying for the DGP’s role are now explicitly defined. These areas encompass a minimum of ten years of experience in crucial domains such as law and order, crime branch, economic offenses wing, or intelligence wing. The guidelines also highlight the need for deputation to central bodies like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, or Central Bureau of Investigation.
The Empanelment Committee established by the UPSC for the DGP appointment will refrain from assessing IPS officers on central deputation for the State DGP position if releasing these officers is deemed unfeasible by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Supreme Court’s Directives on Police Reforms: The Prakash Singh Case 2006
In the landmark Prakash Singh Case of 2006, the Supreme Court issued seven directives for instigating police reforms in India. These reforms were introduced in response to issues including politicization, lack of accountability, and systemic weaknesses affecting police performance.
The directives include the establishment of a State Security Commission (SSC) to prevent undue government influence on the police, outline policy guidelines, and assess state police performance. The Court also called for the transparent, merit-based appointment of the DGP with a minimum tenure of two years.
Procedure of DGP Selection and Role of Committee
The committee responsible for appointing the State DGP comprises the UPSC Chairman, Union Home Secretary, the State’s Chief Secretary, and DGP along with one of the heads of the Central Armed Police Forces nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement, the State governments need to send the names of probable replacements to the UPSC. The UPSC then shortlists three officers fit for the DGP position, one of whom will be appointed by the State.
Further directives from the Supreme Court ensure a minimum two-year tenure for other operational police officers, including District Superintendents and Station House Officers. The Court has also recommended the segregation of investigative and law enforcement duties within the police force.
Creation of Police Establishment Board and Complaint Authorities
Proposed reforms include the creation of a Police Establishment Board (PEB) to handle transfers, postings, promotions, and service-related matters for officers below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. Moreover, the establishment of a State-level Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and district-level PCAs are suggested to investigate public complaints against police officers involved in serious misconduct.
Finally, the directives call for forming a National Security Commission (NSC) at the union level to create a panel for selecting and placing Central Police Organizations’ (CPO) Chiefs, while ensuring a minimum tenure of two years. These reforms demonstrate a significant step towards refining the police system in India, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability.