The issue cropped up at the meeting of the IPS association in Lucknow on Wednesday.

Although it was not a part of the agenda a few IPS officers prominently raised the issue and expressed their resentment over the government’s move to demote the DIG-rank officer to the SSP-rank.

Incidentally, the meeting was called to discuss the successor of GL Sharma, the current president of the association.

Sharma has now gone on central deputation. “As only 24 members attended the meeting, Sharma’s successor could not be decided. We would soon meet to decide the name of our new president,” said IPS officer Chandra Prakash, general secretary of the association.   

Prakash confirmed the resentment among the IPS officers over the government’s decision to post the DIG-rank officer as the police chief in a few districts.

“We have decided to constitute a committee to examine the matter. The issue will be brought to the notice of the chief minister,” he added.

Sources said the IPS officers are not ready to accept the new system. “How can a DIG-rank officer work under the District Magistrate?” said an officer.

According to the officer, the DM of any district is suppose to be the head of the Criminal Administration Justice System. “In his capacity as the head of Criminal Administration Justice System, the DM calls the SP for a meeting in the district,” he added. Under the new system, the DIG-rank officer is bound to work under the DM of the district concerned, he said.

The IPS officers feel that the government has implemented this decision under the influence of the IAS officers, who traditionally oppose the betterment of the IPS officers.

“What happens if a DIG remains senior to his Commissioner? Under the current system, the Commissioner is authorised to write the Annual Confidential Report of the SP or SSPs who are posted in his jurisdiction,” said another IPS officer.

Expressing their wish for a three-tier supervision system comprising IG, DIG and the SP, the IPS officers feel such a system is an extra benefit for the IPS officers.