The Maharashtra government has written to the Centre asking for an increase in the number of police officers of the rank of Director General (DG) from four to six.
“We have sent a proposal to the Centre in the wake of its decision to increase the number of IPS officers,” a state home department official told HT.
The Union government fixes the number of DGs for every state; the number for Maharashtra currently is four (see box). However, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram recently announced that the intake of IPS officers would be increased from 130 to 150 through the All India Civil Service Exams.
A senior police officer at the state director general of police’s office said intake of more IPS officers would mean too many cops taking up junior-level postings. The state may want more DGs to help reduce the crowd, the officer said.
Sources said the state wanted to push its case even though the Centre’s cadre review findings may not reveal there is a need for more such posts.
“The cadre review was completed some time ago, and the findings are with the state government. Ultimately it is the Centre that will take the final call,” an officer said.
In case the Centre approves, though, the police commissioner’s post would be upgraded to DG rank. At the moment, an officer of additional DG rank occupies the post.
{{/usCountry}}In case the Centre approves, though, the police commissioner’s post would be upgraded to DG rank. At the moment, an officer of additional DG rank occupies the post.
{{/usCountry}}The other new DG could be DG (Home Guards). This position was downgraded to additional DG rank recently in order to have a DG (Operations), a post held by Jayant Umranikar who retired on December 31, 2009.
The state is keen to continue to have a DG (Operations) in view of anti-Naxal and anti-terror operations, sources said.
M.N. Singh, former Director General of Police, said the move to increase the number of DGs would be effective only if officers with merit and ability were appointed. “The strength of the force and the size and population of the city should also be taken into consideration. As Mumbai is a large city, there is no harm in having an officer of DG rank for the post of commissioner,” he said.
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