Norms modified for IPS officers taking up IG posts at Centre, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The MHA has mandated a two-year Central deputation for IPS officers at the SP and DIG ranks.
• This is now compulsory for eligibility to be posted as IGP with the Union Government.
• The order is applicable to IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards.
• The MHA has communicated this modification to the Chief Secretaries of all States via a letter dated January 28.

Detailed Insights:

• The modification aims to address the shortage of IPS officers at the Centre, particularly in the ranks of SP to IGP.
• States often nominate officers for senior-level positions but not for SP to IGP roles, leading to vacancies.
• Prior to Central deputation, the consent of the AIS officer and clearance from the State government are necessary.
• As of December 23, 2025, there were 104 vacancies out of 229 sanctioned SP-level posts and 69 vacancies out of 256 DIG-level posts.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Deputation: The temporary transfer of an officer from a State government to the Union Government.
• Empanelment: The process of enlisting officers who are considered suitable for promotion or appointment to specific posts.
• AIS (All India Services): The collective term for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS).