||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 23, 2024||

JAMMU: A significant reshuffling is on the horizon for the police hierarchy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The UT Government has mooted a proposal for the promotion of four Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of the 2007 IPS batch to Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), alongside the elevation of six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of the 2011 IPS batch to DIGs. This strategic move, aimed at addressing the acute shortage of officers in these critical ranks, is currently under review and a decision is anticipated within days following consultations with the Union Home Ministry.

Scarcity of Senior Officers: A Pressing Concern…

Official sources conveyed to Black and White Digital News that the impetus behind this proposal is the notable deficit of IGPs and DIGs, exacerbated by the central deputation of several officers. To bridge this gap, some Additional DGPs have been compelled to assume the additional charge of IGP roles.

Who’s Up for Promotion?

Four distinguished DIGs from the 2007 batch are in line for elevation to IGPs:

– Sunil Gupta – Currently serving as DIG of the Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range.

– Sujit Kumar – DIG CID Kashmir.

– Vivek Gupta– DIG North Kashmir.

– M Suleman Choudhary – DIG Personnel at Police Headquarters.

Though officially eligible for promotion on January 1, 2025, sources indicate an urgent need may lead to their elevation six months earlier, a practice previously employed to meet pressing requirements.

In tandem, six IPS officers from the 2011 batch are slated for promotion to DIGs from their current roles as SSPs:

– Dr. Vinod Kumar – SSP Jammu.

– Maqsood-ul-Zaman– Staff Officer to IG Traffic, Jammu and Kashmir.

– Mubassir Latifi– Commandant of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) 10th battalion, Anantnag.

– Shiv Kumar Sharma – Principal of PTTI Vijaypur.

– Rashmi Wazir – Commandant IR 12th battalion, Nud, Samba.

– Rajeshwar Singh – SSP CID Headquarters.

Notably, Dr. Vinod Kumar is a direct recruit, while the remaining officers hail from the State Police Services (SPS).

All six are similarly eligible for advancement on January 1, 2025, but like their 2007 batch counterparts, they are poised for early promotion.

Eight Vacancies: An Urgent Need for Action…

Currently, eight DIG positions remain unfilled within Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario compelling the UT Government to expedite the promotion process. Given that Jammu and Kashmir is now integrated into the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, the consent of the Union Home Ministry is requisite for these promotions. However, sources remain optimistic that the acute shortage will prompt swift approval.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook…

This impending overhaul in the police hierarchy of Jammu and Kashmir is poised to bolster the leadership structure significantly. By promoting seasoned officers into these pivotal roles, the UT Government aims to enhance operational efficiency and maintain robust law and order. As the final decision looms, the entire police fraternity and administrative circles are abuzz with anticipation, awaiting the official nod that will reshape the future landscape of law enforcement in the region.