Three New DG Posts, Three IPS Promotions: Chhattisgarh’s Move Revives 2018 Controversy
Sai Cabinet clears proposal to create three ex-cadre posts; Centre’s approval remains crucial as questions emerge over cadre rules and administrative necessity
Raipur.cgnews24: Chhattisgarh’s plan to elevate three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Director General (DG) rank has revived a contentious debate over cadre management, central approval and the creation of additional senior-level posts. The state cabinet has cleared a proposal to create three new ex-cadre DG posts, but the move has come under scrutiny over the requirement for the Union Home Ministry’s approval.
The proposal could pave the way for the elevation of officers from the 1994, 1995 and 1996 batches. However, the decision has drawn attention to a similar episode in 2018, when three senior IPS officers were promoted to DG rank against additional ex-cadre posts without the required central concurrence. Those promotions were subsequently cancelled by the state government.
the latest proposal has been sent to the Union Home Ministry for approval. The central government’s response is now expected to be crucial in determining whether the proposed promotions can proceed.
Three additional posts raise questions
The central issue is whether Chhattisgarh needs three additional DG-level positions when the state’s existing four DG-level posts are already occupied.
According to the report, the state currently has two sanctioned cadre posts at the DG level and two ex-cadre posts. These are occupied by senior IPS officers, including state police chief Arun Dev Gautam, G.P. Singh, Pawan Deo and Himanshu Gupta.
The proposal to create three more ex-cadre posts has therefore raised questions about the administrative justification for expanding the senior-most level of the state police hierarchy.
The state’s IPS cadre was reviewed in May 2025. The report says the review provided for two ex-cadre DG-level posts, prompting questions about the basis for the proposed addition of three more positions.
Why the Union Home Ministry’s approval matters
Ex-cadre posts are positions created outside the regular sanctioned cadre structure. Their creation and the appointment of cadre officers to such positions are governed by applicable service rules.
The question is not merely whether the state cabinet has approved the proposal, but whether the necessary central concurrence has been obtained under the rules applicable to the creation and operation of additional DG-level posts.
A similar dispute in the past showed the consequences of proceeding without the required approval. The current proposal has therefore brought the relationship between state-level decisions and central cadre regulations back into focus.
The 2018 precedent: Three promotions were cancelled
The most significant background to the current controversy dates back to the previous BJP government led by Raman Singh.
In December 2017, the state government initiated the process of creating three additional ex-cadre DG-level posts. The Union Home Ministry did not grant concurrence to the proposal, citing concerns about the number of senior-level positions and the absence of adequate functional justification.
Despite the disagreement, three IPS officers — Sanjay Pilley, R.K. Vij and Mukesh Gupta, all from the 1988 batch — were promoted to DG-level posts on October 6, 2018.
In September 2019, the Bhupesh Baghel government cancelled the creation of the three posts and the promotions made against them, citing the absence of the required central approval. The dispute subsequently reached the courts.
The episode remains a key precedent in the debate over the latest proposal, particularly regarding the need to secure the requisite approvals before implementing promotions against additional ex-cadre posts.
A decision with wider implications for police administration
The proposed expansion of DG-level positions has implications beyond the careers of the three officers concerned. It raises broader questions about the size of the senior police leadership, the justification for creating additional posts and compliance with IPS cadre rules.
If the Union Home Ministry grants the necessary approval, the state could proceed in accordance with the applicable rules. If the proposal faces objections or requires changes, the planned elevations could be delayed or reconsidered.
For now, the key issue is whether the state’s proposal satisfies the requirements governing additional DG-level positions. The 2018 episode serves as a reminder that cabinet approval alone may not settle a matter involving central concurrence.
The Union Home Ministry’s decision will be central to the next stage of the process.
