CHANDIGARH — The Haryana government cleared a significant administrative hurdle on Tuesday by forwarding a five-member panel to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of the next Director General of Police (DGP), following the formal relinquishment of the post by incumbent Shatrujeet Kapoor.
The move comes after the UPSC had previously returned an identical panel earlier this month, citing procedural grounds that the DGP position had not yet become vacant. With Kapoor’s official departure on Monday, when he handed over charge to O.P. Singh, the commission’s objection has been resolved, paving the way for the appointment process to move forward.
The Five Contenders
The panel submitted to the UPSC comprises five senior police officers of varying seniority:
- Shatrujeet Kapoor (1990 batch)
- S.K. Jain (1991 batch)
- Ajay Singhal (1992 batch)
- Alok Mittal (1993 batch)
- A.S. Chawla (1993 batch)
Among these officers, sources indicate that Alok Mittal and Ajay Singhal are emerging as the frontrunners, with both possessing strong professional credentials and track records that have garnered considerable support within the police establishment.
The Selection Process Ahead
Under the established protocol, the UPSC will evaluate the five-member panel and submit a shortlisted selection of three names to the Haryana government. The state’s Home Department will then make the final decision, appointing one of the three officers as the new DGP.
The process is expected to move swiftly. According to sources, a meeting may be convened within a week of the panel’s submission to discuss the shortlisted candidates, ensuring that the appointment is finalized well before the existing deadline.
Against the Clock
The urgency surrounding the appointment stems from the imminent retirement of acting DGP O.P. Singh, who is set to retire on December 31st, 2024. The Haryana government has made it clear that a new DGP will be appointed before this date to ensure continuity in the force’s top leadership and prevent any administrative gaps in the police department’s operations.
Background and Earlier Setback
The earlier submission of an identical panel to the UPSC on December 10th had encountered an unexpected hurdle when the commission returned it with the observation that the DGP post was not technically vacant. At that time, Kapoor was on leave, and the UPSC maintained that the post could not be advertised or processed until the incumbent had formally relinquished his position.
With Kapoor’s departure now finalized and the necessary documentation in place, the Haryana Home Department is confident that the UPSC will proceed with the selection process without further delays. The department has prepared to attach a copy of the order related to Kapoor’s relinquishment to the panel submission, ensuring all procedural requirements are met.
What Lies Ahead
The selection of a new DGP is expected to be concluded by the end of the month, allowing the new appointee to assume charge before Singh’s retirement on December 31st. This transition represents a critical juncture in Haryana’s police administration, with the incoming DGP inheriting responsibility for maintaining law and order across the state during a dynamic period of governance.
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