UPSC – Commission Returns Uttar Pradesh DGP Appointment Proposal Over Format Issues
UPSC – The process of appointing a full-time Director General of Police (DGP) in Uttar Pradesh has encountered a delay after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) sent back the state government’s proposal, citing procedural shortcomings and non-compliance with updated guidelines.
Proposal Sent Back Over Technical Concerns
According to official sources, the UPSC declined to process the proposal submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government for appointing a permanent DGP. The commission reportedly identified technical inconsistencies in the documents, including the use of an outdated submission format that does not align with its latest prescribed structure.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that the proposal had been forwarded by Chief Secretary SP Goyal. However, the commission has now asked the state to revise and resubmit the recommendation within a period of three months, ensuring it adheres strictly to the 2025 guidelines and relevant Supreme Court directives.
Acting DGP Continues Amid Uncertainty
The development means that the appointment of a permanent police chief remains pending, with acting DGP Rajeev Krishna continuing in the role for now. Krishna had taken charge on May 31, 2025, following the replacement of Prashant Kumar.
Notably, Uttar Pradesh has seen a succession of acting DGPs in recent years, with Krishna becoming the fifth officer to hold the position on an interim basis. The absence of a permanent appointment has been a subject of administrative concern, particularly in light of directives emphasizing stability in top police leadership.
Eligibility Criteria Shapes Candidate List
Sources also highlighted that the eligibility criteria set by the UPSC played a significant role in determining the list of officers considered for the position. As per existing norms, only those officers who have at least six months of service remaining from the date of vacancy are eligible for consideration.
In this case, February 5 was treated as the official date of vacancy, following instructions from the Supreme Court to ensure a timely appointment. This condition led to the exclusion of certain senior officers whose remaining tenure did not meet the required threshold.
Key Names and Exclusions in the Race
The panel submitted earlier included several senior IPS officers, with Piyush Anand placed at the top, followed by Rajeev Krishna and PC Meena. The broader list featured officers from multiple batches, reflecting a wide pool of eligible candidates under consideration.
However, some notable exclusions drew attention. Senior IPS officer Renuka Mishra was not included in the panel, with the state government reportedly holding her accountable for lapses linked to the 2024 police recruitment paper leak. Similarly, Alok Sharma, a 1991-batch officer currently on central deputation with the Special Protection Group, was left out due to not meeting the minimum service requirement.
Fresh Submission Expected Within Three Months
With the UPSC returning the proposal, the Uttar Pradesh government is now expected to prepare a revised list in accordance with the latest procedural requirements. Officials will need to ensure that the documentation format, eligibility criteria, and legal guidelines are fully complied with before resubmitting the proposal.
The delay underscores the importance of adherence to established processes in high-level appointments, particularly those governed by both constitutional bodies and judicial oversight. Once the revised proposal is submitted, the UPSC will evaluate the panel and forward its recommendations for final approval.
Until then, the state will continue to function under interim leadership, as authorities work to complete the formalities required for appointing a permanent DGP.