CM Yogi Adityanath
Now the state government itself will be able to elect the head of the Uttar Pradesh police department. That is, the Chief Minister will be able to appoint the face of his choice as the Director General of Police (DGP) of the state. Actually, the cabinet meeting was held on Monday after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi. In the meeting, the Yogi government approved Rules 2024 for the selection and appointment of Director General of Police. After the release of the new rules, there will be no interference from the Center (UPSC) in the appointment of the police department chief (UP DGP Selection) in UP. Now neither the state government will have to send a panel of names of five officials nor will there be any obligation to approve any of the three names returned.
As per the decision and order passed by the Supreme Court in 2006 on the petition filed on police reforms, the state governments were expected to enact a new Police Act, so that the police system could remain free from any pressure. In addition to protecting the rights of citizens, the rule of law can be established. UP was one of the 8 states to which the Supreme Court had issued a contempt notice in this case. This Supreme Court directive worked as a lifeline for the UP government.
What did the Supreme Court say?
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The Supreme Court had said in a decision that the state government can form its own panel for the appointment of the DGP. This panel should consist of the Chief Secretary, a UPSC nominee, the Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission or his designee, the Additional Chief Secretary or the Principal Secretary of Home Affairs and a retired DGP. In some states it had already been done. Now the UP government will also implement it. This initiative of the UP government is based on the Supreme Court order.
What political significance is derived from the decision?
Political analysts look at this important decision from a different perspective. They believe this decision has been taken due to the increasing distance between Delhi and Lucknow. No one was even aware of such an important decision. CM Yogi was aware that in his second term he would not even be able to get a DGP of his choice. Four acting DGPs appointed in two and a half years are enough to tell the story of how much say the Center has in the appointment of the state police chief.
It includes the names of DS Chauhan, RK Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar and currently Prashant Kumar. Along with this, it has also been decided that the 2027 assembly elections will be held under the supervision of CM Yogi’s favorite DGP.
Now how will the DGP be appointed, how long will her mandate be?
Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Cabinet on Monday approved the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Selection and Appointment Rules for 2024. A committee will be formed for the selection of DGP, which will decide who will be the DGP of the state. This committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of a retired judge of the High Court. In this committee, the members will be the Principal Secretary, an officer appointed by the Union Public Service Commission, the Chairman or appointed officer of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the Additional Chief Secretary Home, a retired DGP who has worked as DGP. The minimum tenure of the DGP selected by the committee has been fixed at two years.
What do the new rules say?
The objective of these rules is to establish an independent and transparent mechanism for the selection of a suitable person for the post of DGP, to ensure that his selection is free from political or executive interference. In addition, it is also in accordance with the specific conditions and police needs of the State. The state government is expected to select DGPs to head the police force based on their length of service, generally very good service record and degree of experience. The nominating committee will consider the names of those officials who have more than six months left to retire. Only those names that are holding the position of DGP at level 16 of the salary matrix will be considered.
The government also has the right to dismiss the DGP
The guidelines issued by the Supreme Court have been followed in the provisions relating to the removal of the DGP from office. In case of any criminal or corruption case, or if he otherwise fails to discharge his duties and responsibilities, the State Government may relieve him of his responsibilities before the end of the two-year period. Currently, Prashant Kumar is the acting DGP and will retire in May 2025. As per the new rules, Prashant Kumar meets all the requirements to become a full-time DGP.
What is the intention of the yogi government?
The Yogi government also seems to have a similar intention of making Prashant Kumar the first DGP of the new system. After becoming the new DGP, he will have a minimum term of two years. Experts say if all goes well, there is a good chance that the 2027 assembly elections will be held with Prashant Kumar as DGP.
