West Bengal becomes the third state after Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to have its own set of rules to appoint Director General of Police. Now West Bengal would not have to depend on the nod of central government for the appointment on this key post.
Mamata Banerjee cabinet decided to constitute the committee, which will recommend the name for the appointment.
For the last few months, the Bengal government has had an acting DGP — Rajeev Kumar, who is 1989 batch IPS officer.
What Punjab has done?
The AAP government in Punjab passed the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to amend and substitute key clause and sub-clauses in the Punjab Police Act, 2007, for the appointment of state DGP. Now It doesn't have to send panel of eligible officers to the UPSC which shortlists three officers and the state government selects an officer from the panel. The state government's seven-member panel recommends appointment of DGP.
What Uttar Pradesh has done?
The Yogi administration in Uttar Pradesh has approved a new set of rules for the selection of Director General of Police (DGP) by a committee headed by a retired high court judge. The committee also has Chief Secretary, a UPSC nominee, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Chairman or nominee, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, and a retired state DGP as its members. The committee recommends name of officer of DG rank who has at least six months of service left.
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