By Tajdar H Zaidi
In a major reform aimed at ensuring transparency and uniformity in the appointment of State police chiefs, the Union Government has officially notified a Single Window System for the selection of Director-General of Police (DGP) or Head of Police Force (HoPF) in States.
The system, effective from April 22, 2025, seeks to streamline the appointment process and ensure strict adherence to Supreme Court directives issued in the landmark Prakash Singh judgment.
What Is the Single Window System?
The Single Window System provides a structured and simplified mechanism for States to submit proposals to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for empanelment of eligible officers for the top police post. It includes:
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A comprehensive checklist
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Standardized formats and annexures
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Clear instructions to eliminate delays and discrepancies
According to senior police officials, the system was introduced following repeated instances of States ignoring or circumventing apex court rulings and guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on DGP appointments.
Fixing Accountability on States
In a significant move to hold States accountable, the new framework mandates that a Secretary-rank officer must certify the eligibility and tenure of officers being proposed for empanelment. This comes in response to earlier cases where proposals lacked consistency with guidelines, leading to disputes and judicial intervention.
As per the Supreme Court guidelines (and reinforced through MHA circulars), States must:
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Send proposals at least three months before the anticipated DGP vacancy or superannuation date.
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Recommend officers who have a minimum residual service of six months from the vacancy date.
Tamil Nadu Case Under Scrutiny
In Tamil Nadu, where DGP Shankar Jiwal is set to retire on August 30, 2025, the State is yet to send a formal proposal.
Sources revealed that despite being aware of the guidelines, the Home Department was collecting willingness forms from two officers who do not meet the minimum six-month service criterion—raising concerns of procedural irregularity.
However, under the new system, any officer not meeting the eligibility requirements will be automatically filtered out during scrutiny. A Secretary’s certification would be required to validate each name.
From Tamil Nadu, eight officers in the Level-16 pay matrix are likely to qualify. The UPSC is expected to shortlist three names—Seema Agrawal, Rajiv Kumar, and Sandeep Rai Rathore—based on seniority and eligibility.
MHA Warning: Proposals with Errors Will Be Returned
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its latest communication to all States, cautioned that proposals not conforming to the Single Window System will be returned immediately.
The circular stressed the need for strict compliance and directed States to sensitize departments handling such appointments.
“It is requested that suitable instructions be issued to the concerned departments to ensure submission of all future proposals in line with the Single Window System checklist,” the circular stated.