MHA Mandates Two-Year Central Deputation for IPS Officers Seeking Inspector General Appointments

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has implemented a significant policy revision requiring Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to complete a mandatory two-year deputation at the central level prior to appointment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent positions. This strategic adjustment to empanelment norms aims to enhance the operational readiness and federal coordination capabilities of senior police leadership. The mandate ensures that officers acquire critical experience within central government frameworks, fostering a deeper understanding of national security protocols and inter-agency collaboration before assuming high-ranking command roles. This move is anticipated to standardize leadership development pathways, address potential gaps in central policing expertise, and reinforce the integration of state and central law enforcement mechanisms. Analysts suggest the policy will cultivate a more cohesive and strategically aligned senior officer cadre, better equipped to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional challenges. The revision underscores the government's focus on institutional capacity-building within the IPS, aligning promotion criteria with contemporary security demands and governance objectives.