The corridors of power in Chandigarh are thick with speculation as the search for Haryana’s next police chief enters its final and most competitive phase.
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The Impending Vacancy: The current DGP, who has led the force through several critical phases, is set to demit office soon. This has triggered a flurry of meetings between senior IPS officers and top bureaucratic and political leadership.
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The Contenders: Sources indicate that the list of frontrunners includes three to four high-ranking officers. Seniority remains a major criterion, but the government is also looking for an officer who can balance administrative reforms with the “Zero Tolerance” policy against organized crime.
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The Selection Process:
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Panel Submission: The State Government sends a list of eligible officers (those who have completed 30 years of service) to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
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Shortlisting: The UPSC will shortlist three names based on their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) and remaining service tenure.
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Final Appointment: The State Cabinet will then select one name from the UPSC-approved panel of three.
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Key Challenges for the New DGP: The incoming chief will inherit a force tasked with managing the expanding NCR security, curbing interstate drug smuggling, and overseeing the rollout of the newly approved Haryana Control of Organized Crime (HCOC) law.
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Political Considerations: While the selection process follows Supreme Court guidelines (Prakash Singh judgment), the political rapport of the candidate with the current administration remains a subject of intense discussion among experts.
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Timeline: The formal announcement is expected by the third week of December, ideally before the start of the Vidhan Sabha’s Winter Session on December 18.
