Two-year Central deputation as SP or DIG mandatory for IPS officers seeking IG rank at Centre: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued modifications to the guidelines for IPS officers’ central postings, changing the eligibility for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent at the Centre, effective from the 2011 batch.

Under the new guidelines, the ministry has made it mandatory for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to complete a minimum of two years of Central deputation at the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), or an equivalent level for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent at the Centre.



The new rule will apply to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.

The official letter states, "I am directed to refer to the subject cited above and to convey that 'minimum 2 years of Central experience at SP/DIG or equivalent level shall be mandatory for empanelment of IPS officers at IG/eqvt. level at the centre from 2011 batch onwards.'

The letter for the modification of guidelines was addressed to all Chief Secretaries of state governments, directing them to bring the revised guideline to the notice of all IPS officers serving in their respective cadres.

Officials told ANI that the move is intended to ensure sufficient Central-level experience before officers are considered for senior leadership positions in the Central government.

Copies of the communication have also been forwarded to Director (SM), Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), all Directors General of Police (DGsP) of state governments, Union Territory division of MHA, and other senior officials concerned.

Officials further told the news agency that the move is aimed at ensuring adequate Central-level exposure for IPS officers before their empanelment to senior leadership positions in the Central government.