Decision of new DGP of Punjab on January 4: UPSC convenes meeting to form panel; Possible posting of new officer in place of Chattopadhyay

The current working DGP of Punjab, Siddharth Chattopadhyay.

The decision of the new DGP of Punjab will be taken on January 4. UPSC has called a meeting to prepare a panel of officers. However, this time UPSC has remained silent regarding the cut-off date of the panel. In such a situation, it is possible that the decision of the new DGP will be taken from the date of removal of DGP Dinkar Gupta.

Experts also believe that UPSC rarely runs against the set rules. If this happens, then a new officer may be posted in place of the current working DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyay. Permanent DGP is set to be appointed before the elections in Punjab. VK Bhavara is leading in this race.

DGP VK Bhavara

Government-UPSC face to face on the vacant post of DGP

Charanjit Channi became the new Chief Minister after the removal of Captain Amarinder Singh from the chair of CM. After which it was decided that the leave of Dinkar Gupta, who was close to the Captain, was fixed from the post of DGP. So Dinkar went on leave. The government delayed their removal. However, the list of officers was sent to UPSC on 30 September. At the same time, the post of DGP fell vacant on October 5, when the government removed Dinkar from this post. In such a situation, UPSC is running according to 5 October. There has also been a letter war between the two regarding this.

DGP Dinkar Gupta with Capt Amarinder Singh. file photo

What is the effect of 30 September and 5 October?

If the Channi government is accepted on 30 September, then only Siddharth Chattopadhyay can become the permanent DGP. UPSC can send the names of Dinkar Gupta and Prabodh Kumar along with Chattopadhyay in the top three officers. Dinkar and Prabodh are preparing to go to the centre. In this case only Chattopadhyay will survive.

However, if UPSC accepts October 5 as correct, then Chattopadhyay will be out as his retirement is on March 31, 2022. In such a situation, he does not fulfill the condition of having a minimum tenure of 6 months for the Permanent DGP. Which is completed by 30th September. In such a situation, VK Bhavra can be the new DGP. Bhavra has also conducted the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On the head of the acting DGP, the chances of the Election Commission conducting the Punjab Assembly elections are slim.