Rules for deputation of DIGs

(Mains GS 2 :Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure) 

Context:

• Recently, the Union government has ordered to done away with the empanelment process for DIG (Deputy Inspector General)-ranked IPS officers to fill an acute shortage of DIG-ranked officers at the Centre in the shortest possible time.

Existing rules:

• According to existing rules, a DIG-ranked IPS officer with a minimum experience of 14 years could only be deputed to the Centre if the Police Establishment Board empanelled them as DIGs at the Centre. 
• The board chooses the panel on the basis of officers’ career and vigilance records. Only Superintendent of Police-level officers do not require empanelment at the Centre.
• The new order makes the entire pool of DIG-level officers in a state eligible for central deputation.

Decrease the quota:

• The recent move is aimed at increasing the pool of DIG-level IPS officers for central deputation in the backdrop of massive vacancies in central police organisations (CPOs) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• According to data sourced from various CPOs and CAPFs, out of 252 posts reserved for IPS officers at DIG level at the Centre, 118  are vacant. 
• IPS officers have a quota of 40% in CPOs and CAPFs, thus Centre in 2019 written to states proposing to decrease this quota by 50%, saying more than 60% posts remain vacant since most states do not spare their officers.

Cumbersome process:

• The idea is to ease up the process of central deputation because the number of DIGs is high, the empanelment process had become cumbersome and it was taking as long as one year to just complete the process.
• However, this would not automatically allow DIGs to come to the Centre as the officers would still have to be put on the offer list for central deputation which is decided by the states and the Centre in consultation.

Problem of states:

• Many states saw this new order as the Centre’s attempt at pushing the envelope further on increasing its powers over officers serving in the states.
• Because there is a serious paucity of officers in the states too, states are not providing enough DIGs or SPs to the Centre.