The matter concerning the inclusion of Manoj Yadava (IPS:1988:HY) on the list of DGP probables to be sent to UPSC still persists. In response, the Haryana government has initiated preparations for alternative plans in case UPSC does not approve their proposal.
According to reliable sources, the government is now considering appointing an officiating DGP. It is worth noting that neighboring Punjab and several other states have already set a precedent in which the appointment of a DGP is being withheld due to either the absence of a panel or issues related to the preparation of the panel.
The current DGP, PK Agrawal (IPS:1988:HY), is set to conclude his tenure on August 15. Even if UPSC expedites the process, in case they agree with the Haryana government’s decision not to include Yadav’s name, it would still require some time to complete the entire process.
According to insiders, given that the government is bound to appoint a DGP and already has a candidate in mind, it should not be challenging for them to have the chosen officer act as the officiating DGP until all formalities are completed for a regular appointment.
On July 11, the Haryana government forwarded the names of nine IPS officers (excluding Yadava) to prepare a panel for selecting the next police chief. However, UPSC returned the file to Haryana, instructing them to include Yadava’s name, despite his expressed reluctance to return to the cadre. UPSC also requested an integrity certificate from the chief secretary and complete dossiers of Yadava’s service record.
Recently, the Haryana government responded to UPSC, reiterating its position of not including Yadav’s name in the panel and requesting further clarifications on the matter.
It is worth noting that based on seniority, if Haryana decides to include Yadava’s name, then Yadava, Muhammad Akil (IPS:1989:HY), and RC Mishra (IPS:1989:HY) could be the three names in consideration for the DGP position. However, if Yadava’s name is not included, then the third name on the list would be Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor (IPS:1990:HY), who currently heads the Anti-Corruption Bureau. While all three IPS officers have commendable service backgrounds, Kapoor has been a favored choice of CM Manohar Lal Khattar. Before his current role at the ACB, Kapoor served as ADGP CID.
