UPSC Requests IPS Officers' Names from Bengal for Permanent DGP Appointment Ahead of Assembly Elections
Synopsis
The UPSC has called for names of IPS officers from West Bengal to appoint a new permanent DGP. With the state elections approaching, seniority will play a crucial role in the selection process. Will the Supreme Court's intervention finally resolve the ongoing DGP appointment complications?
Key Takeaways
UPSC requests names of IPS officers from Bengal for DGP appointment.
Peeyush Pandey is serving as the acting DGP.
Previous permanent DGP Manoj Malviya retired in 2023.
Senior officer Anuj Sharma is a leading candidate for the position.
Supreme Court intervention may break the deadlock.
Kolkata, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has requested names of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the West Bengal government to choose a new permanent Director General of Police (DGP).
Currently, Peeyush Pandey serves as the acting DGP.
The last permanent DGP in West Bengal was Manoj Malviya, who retired in 2023, following Rajeev Kumar.
Sources from the state secretariat, Nabanna, revealed that the concerned department has initiated the process of shortlisting candidates to recommend to the UPSC.
"It is anticipated that the names will be sent to the commission by Friday," stated a source from the state secretariat.
Based on seniority, Anuj Sharma, a 1991-batch IPS officer and currently the Director General of the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Department, is the leading candidate for the new permanent DGP position.
Other potential candidates include the current acting DGP, Peeyush Pandey, along with Natarajan Ramesh Babu (Director General of Home Guard), Siddh Nath Gupta (Director General for state correctional services), and Sanjay Singh (Director General of Civil Defence).
It's noteworthy that after the retirement of the previous acting DGP, Rajeev Kumar, on January 31 of this year, the state government appointed 1993 batch IPS officer Piyush Pandey as the interim DGP.
At that time, the Union Government criticized the state for failing to submit the names to the UPSC within the given timeframe, leading to a delay in approving a permanent appointment.
To maintain administrative operations, the state government appointed Peeyush Pandey as the acting DGP. The protracted process of appointing a permanent DGP has faced challenges, but sources suggest that the Supreme Court's intervention may finally resolve the impasse.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the urgency surrounding the appointment of a permanent DGP in West Bengal. The upcoming Assembly elections amplify the need for a stable police leadership, which has been in limbo due to bureaucratic delays and intergovernmental disputes. The involvement of the Supreme Court may provide a necessary resolution.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the UPSC in appointing the DGP?
The UPSC is responsible for recommending candidates for the position of Director General of Police, ensuring that qualified IPS officers are selected.
Who is currently serving as the acting DGP?
Peeyush Pandey is currently the acting Director General of Police in West Bengal.
Why is the appointment of a permanent DGP urgent?
The urgency arises from the upcoming Assembly elections, necessitating stable leadership within the police force.
What complications have delayed the DGP appointment?
Delays have been attributed to bureaucratic inefficiencies and the state government's failure to submit names to the UPSC on time.
Will the Supreme Court's intervention help?
There are indications that the Supreme Court's involvement may expedite the appointment process and resolve existing disputes.
