Centre tightens IG empanelment norms for IPS officers; central deputation made mandatory
The new condition will be implemented prospectively and will apply to officers of the 2011 batch and later
PTC Web Desk: The Centre has revised the eligibility criteria for empanelment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the rank of Inspector General (IG) and equivalent positions at the Central level, introducing a mandatory Central deputation requirement for officers from the 2011 batch onwards.
As per an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 28, IPS officers will now need to complete at least two years of Central deputation at the level of Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), or equivalent before being considered for IG-level empanelment at the Centre.
The new condition will be implemented prospectively and will apply to officers of the 2011 batch and later, who are currently serving as DIGs or in equivalent ranks within their respective state cadres and are likely to be considered for IG empanelment in the future.
Officials said the move is aimed at addressing staffing shortages in Central Police Organisations (CPOs), where a significant number of posts at the SP and DIG levels remain vacant. The revised norms are expected to encourage more officers to opt for Central deputation, ensuring smoother functioning and improved administrative capacity within central forces.