Destiny has brought unforgettable moments to the lives of five retired Kerala State Police Service officers, who are going to don their uniforms again. And that too, with an added glory, as they will now wear a different badge—the glowing badge of IPS on their shoulders. Thanks to the Home Ministry, which has decided to confer them with IPS rank after retirement?
There are virtually a total of 10 such officers from the Kerala police service, five serving and five retired, who have been awarded IPS in recognition of their meritorious service, drawn from the 2023 and 2024 select lists, according to a top officer with the police department.
Among the retired state police service officers who have been conferred with the IPS title are B Krishnakumar, Prejish Thottathil, E N Suresh, and A U Sunil Kumar (2023 list) and C S Shahul Hameed (2024 list).
Among serving officers are Nasim (SP, Marine Enforcement—2023 list), N Rajan (SP, KSEB Vigilance), G Sabu (SP, Special Branch, Kozhikode), P Vikraman (Vigilance Officer-excise), Jossy Cherian (pending clearance in disciplinary proceedings)—all from the 2024 list
According to an officer, all the retired officers in the list have happily expressed their willingness to rejoin the force. Some have already rejoined and are now awaiting formal appointments after the gazette notification. There is a lone exception of Jossy Cherian, as he is yet to receive official clearance due to a pending inquiry.
As per a govt source, as the retirement age for state service officers in Kerala is 56, many officers miss the opportunity of being conferred with the IPS rank before retirement. That is the reason why most officers on the current conferred IPS list are aged between 56 and 58. Thus, this move gives them an opportunity to serve the force for another two to four years, as the retirement age for an IPS officer is 60.
A media report quoting a source with the Kochi city police said the delay in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) approving the select lists for 2023 and 2024 resulted in the setback of promotions and appointments under the conferred IPS category. Such delays, he pointed out, have occurred in the past as well, and at times, have extended even longer than the present instance.
A well-placed officer confided that those who are awarded the conferred IPS while still in service gain the added benefit of service extension, along with the prescribed pay scale and allowances. However, those who receive it after retirement will have a break in their service record, though they are entitled to the pay scale and other allowances of an IPS-ranked officer.
Join Us on WhatsApp