The state of Uttar Pradesh is on the verge of ending a long period of administrative transition within its police force. After a gap of nearly four years, the process to appoint a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) has gained significant momentum, while a crucial meeting is scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, in New Delhi, organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This meeting marks a definitive step toward stabilizing the leadership of one of the largest police forces in the world.
The UPSC Selection Process and State Representation
The high-level meeting in the national capital will see the participation of Uttar Pradesh's Chief Secretary, SP Goyal, who will represent the state government. The primary objective of this gathering is to deliberate on the service records and qualifications of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to form a panel of three names, while once this panel is finalized by the UPSC, it will be formally sent to the Uttar Pradesh government. From this shortlist, the state administration will select one officer to take over the mantle of the permanent DGP. This move is expected to bring much-needed structural stability to the police department, which has been functioning under acting leadership for a considerable time.
Profiles of the Top Contenders
Three senior IPS officers are currently the focus of the selection process, each bringing a wealth of experience and distinct professional backgrounds. The first is Renuka Mishra, an officer from the 1990 batch. She holds the highest seniority among the contenders. Com degree, an MA in Economics, and an MA in Police Administration. She previously served as the Chairperson of the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board. Although she was promoted to the rank of DG in May 2021, she has not received a regular posting since July 2024, following the controversies surrounding the constable recruitment paper leak case.
The second candidate is Piyush Anand, a 1991 batch officer who is currently on central deputation. He serves as the Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a tenure that was recently extended by one year. Tech in Mechanical Engineering, he also holds a Post Graduate degree in Public Policy from MDI Gurgaon. His extensive career includes serving as SP or SSP in 11 different districts within Uttar Pradesh. Plus, he spent approximately 7 years working with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and held senior positions such as ADG and Special DG in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The third and most prominent name in the race is Rajiv Krishna, also from the 1991 batch. He's currently serving as the acting DGP of Uttar Pradesh. Sources indicate that he's the frontrunner to be confirmed as the permanent DGP, while his familiarity with the current administrative landscape of the state police gives him a significant advantage in the selection process.
Historical Context and Administrative Significance
The vacancy for a permanent DGP in Uttar Pradesh has persisted since May 2022, following the departure of Manilal Goyal. Since then, the state's police force has been managed by a series of acting heads. The appointment of a permanent chief is considered vital for long-term policy implementation, morale within the force, and overall law and order management. Once the UPSC panel is received, the state government will finalize the selection and seek the necessary approvals to officially hand over the permanent charge to the chosen officer.