CHANDIGARH: The Union Public Service Commission has asked the Punjab government to submit a panel of eligible senior IPS officers for the appointment of a regular Director General of Police (DGP), replacing incumbent acting DGP Gaurav Yadav.
Gaurav Yadav has been serving as the acting DGP since July 22, 2022. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government has so far not appointed a regular DGP, despite the availability of several senior officers. Notably, Yadav is junior to a number of DGP-rank officers in the Punjab cadre, which had raised questions over the delay in regularising the appointment.
The move by the UPSC follows directions from the Supreme Court of India, which has taken note of several states, including Punjab, not appointing regular DGPs in accordance with prescribed guidelines. The court has repeatedly emphasised that states must appoint DGPs from a UPSC-approved panel of senior-most eligible officers to ensure transparency and stability in police leadership.
According to sources, Punjab is expected to forward a panel of names to the UPSC shortly. Officers who may be considered for empanelment include Sharat Satya Chauhan, Kuldip Singh, Prag Jain, along with incumbent acting DGP Gaurav Yadav.
Punjab currently has around 10–12 officers of DGP rank in its cadre, including those posted within the state and on central deputation. As per norms, the state is required to send a panel of three senior-most eligible officers with a minimum residual service period, from which the UPSC shortlists candidates for final selection.
The issue of appointing a regular DGP has remained pending for over three years, drawing criticism from opposition parties, which allege that the government has been running the police force on an “ad hoc basis.” With the UPSC now stepping in following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the process is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.
A final decision on the appointment will be taken after the UPSC scrutinises the panel and recommends suitable candidates to the state government.