Punjab Names Gaurav Yadav Regular DGP After Years as Acting Chiefਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇ ਗੌਰਵ ਯਾਦਵ ਨੂੰ ਰੈਗੂਲਰ ਡੀਜੀਪੀ ਨਿਯੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ, ਘੱਟੋ-ਘੱਟ ਦੋ ਸਾਲ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਜਕਾਲ

The Punjab government on Friday, October 9, appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as the state's regular Director General of Police, ending a long stretch in which he led the force in an acting capacity. An official order says his tenure will run for a minimum of two years from the day he assumes charge.

Who is the new regular DGP?

Yadav has headed Punjab Police as officiating DGP since July 2022. The order was issued by the Department of Home Affairs in the Governor's name, after the Union Public Service Commission sent a panel of three eligible officers. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had reportedly approved the name a day or so earlier, according to the Tribune and the New Indian Express.

How was he picked?

The UPSC wrote on July 1, empanelling three officers from a list of 14 names that the state had sent. The other two on the panel were Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief Sharad Satya Chauhan and special DGP Harpreet Singh Sidhu. The order cites the Supreme Court's police-reform directions in the Prakash Singh case, which require a regular DGP to be chosen from the UPSC panel with a minimum two-year term.

Why did the appointment come now?

Hindustan Times and India Today report that the move follows scrutiny by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. While hearing a public interest litigation, the court had questioned the delay and said an ad hoc arrangement should not continue indefinitely. The matter is next listed on October 13, when the state was to file a compliance affidavit. Jugti reported on the court's earlier direction.

What does it mean for Punjab Police?

The post is now filled on a regular basis, and the order gives the DGP a fixed term. The New Indian Express reports that Yadav is due to retire on April 30, 2029. The state police leadership has said it will keep its focus on law and order, action against gangsters and the anti-drugs campaign.

Who is Gaurav Yadav?

He is a 1992-batch IPS officer who has led Punjab Police since July 2022.

How long will his tenure be?

At least two years from the date he assumes charge, according to the government order.

Why did the High Court get involved?

A PIL challenged the long-running acting arrangement, and the court asked the state to take an appropriate decision on appointing a regular DGP.