IPS Rajiv Krishna Appointed Permanent DGP of Uttar Pradesh After Four Years

Uttar Pradesh has finally received a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) after a long wait of four years. IPS Rajiv Krishna, who was previously serving as the acting DGP, has been officially appointed to the top post. This significant move comes after extensive deliberations at the government level following a list submitted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formally approved the appointment of the current acting police chief as the permanent DGP, and an official order has been issued in this regard.

The Selection Process and UPSC Panel

The appointment process gained momentum after a meeting held on May 26, where the UPSC sent a panel of three names to the state government. The panel included 1990 batch IPS officer Renuka Mishra, 1991 batch IPS officer Piyush Anand, and 1991 batch IPS officer Rajiv Krishna. Among these candidates, Rajiv Krishna was considered the strongest contender for the position. Ultimately, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved his name, as he was reportedly the preferred choice for the role of the state's permanent police head, while the decision was finalized after the government completed its review of the UPSC recommendations.

Experience and Tenure as Acting DGP

IPS Rajiv Krishna had been serving as the acting DGP of Uttar Pradesh since June 1, 2025. A member of the 1991 batch, he's well-regarded within the police department for his extensive administrative and field experience. Throughout his career, he has held crucial responsibilities in several important districts and zones across the state. During his tenure as the acting DGP, he's credited with implementing large-scale measures for crime control and taking strict action against criminal activities, which further solidified his candidacy for the permanent role, while his track record in maintaining law and order has been a key factor in his elevation to the permanent position.

Ending the Era of Acting DGPs

The state of Uttar Pradesh had been functioning with acting DGPs since May 11, 2022, following the removal of Mukul Goyal from the post. Over the past four years, the state saw a succession of five acting DGPs, including DS Chauhan, RK Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar, Prashant Kumar, and finally Rajiv Krishna. The appointment of Rajiv Krishna marks the end of this transitional phase, providing the state's police force with stable leadership after a prolonged period. This move is expected to bring more consistency to the state's policing strategy and administrative decisions.

Future Challenges and Tenure Duration

According to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court and the rules of the UPSC, a permanent DGP is entitled to a minimum tenure of two years. Consequently, following his formal appointment, Rajiv Krishna is expected to remain in this position until 2028. One of the most significant challenges ahead for him will be maintaining law and order during the 2027 Assembly elections. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during this critical political period in the state. As the permanent head of the police force, he will now have the authority and time to implement long-term reforms and strategies for the state's security.