Non-IPS officers run most border districts in Punjab

NEW DELHI: Out of eight border districts in Punjab, the state government has posted non-IPS officers in five districts while the three others have promoted IPS officers as Superintendent of Police.

With SP Salwinder Singh coming under the scanner after Pathankot attack, there are questions being raised on the efficacy these non -IPS officers heading the sensitive border areas. According to government sources, there are 24 IPS officers and 22 promotee IPS officers available with the state government in its pool despite which non-IPS officers are posted in these areas that has resulted in laxity of law and order.

This, according to some IPS officers from Punjab, is also one of the main reasons for rise in cases of drug smuggling. According to central government rules, the state government can only post a provincial service officer for 3 months with an approval from New Delhi. “In Punjab, it has been found in many cases that these rules are violated and non-IPS officers are posted at the whims and fancies of the ruling dispensation,” said a senior government official, requesting anonymity.

Punjab police officers, however, refuted the charges and said the matter is sub-judice before the High Court and they will not like to comment. A senior officer on the condition of anonymity said the officers in border districts are posted due to non-availability of IPS cadre. “IPS officers prefer to be at a central location and are not keen to undertake border postings since these areas are far-flung with fewer amenities,” the official said.

The Punjab police sources also maintained that officers of provincial services are more efficient and were at the forefront during militancy. “Out of 19 other districts in Punjab, 10 are headed by officers of provincial services,” they added.