Punjab has finally initiated the long-awaited process of appointing a regular Director General of Police, marking a significant administrative development after months of delay and legal scrutiny. The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to forward a panel of eligible senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission for final selection.
The move follows repeated observations by the Supreme Court, which had stressed the importance of appointing a regular DGP in accordance with established guidelines. These guidelines mandate that states must send a list of senior-most eligible officers to the UPSC well in advance to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.
For a considerable period, Punjab has been functioning under acting DGPs, a temporary arrangement that raised concerns about continuity and stability in policing. Legal experts had also pointed out that prolonged delays in appointing a regular DGP could undermine institutional accountability.
Sources within the administration indicate that the panel will likely include officers from different batches with distinguished service records. Once submitted, the UPSC will shortlist three candidates based on merit, seniority, and experience. The final appointment will be made by the state government from this list.
The delay in sending the panel had earlier become a contentious issue, with questions raised about procedural lapses. The Supreme Court had taken note of the situation and directed the state to adhere strictly to its guidelines, leaving little room for discretion or deviation.
With this latest step, the Punjab government appears to be aligning itself with constitutional norms and judicial expectations. The appointment of a regular DGP is expected to bring stability to the police force and improve governance, particularly at a time when law and order remains a key political issue in the state.
