Suspense over OP Singh joining as the new DGP is over as the Government has clarified that he is slated to take over as the head of the largest police force on Tuesday. Principal Secretary, Home, Arvind Kumar said that Singh is likely to join on Tuesday after being relieved from the post of DG, CISF, on Monday.
On Friday last, the PMO had cleared his file to relieve him from the Central deputation. On Sunday, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet issued an order to release Singh for UP from the Centre.
Singh, a 1983 batch Indian Police Services officer, was announced as the new DGP on the eve of the New Year, but suspense loomed large over his appointment as even after 21 days he did not join the coveted post.
Singh is presently Director General of Central Industrial Security Force. His name for the new DGP of UP was announced on December 31, the day when Sulkhan Singh retired as the DGP. Officials say it was a top priority decision announced by none other than Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
That day Principal Secretary, Home, Arvind Kumar declared that till the new appointee took charge, Anand Kumar, additional director general (law and Order) would look after the day-to-day affairs.
Principal Secretary (Home) had said that recommendation had been made by the committee headed by UP Chief Secretary. He said Principal Secretary to Chief Minister had requested the Central government to make available services of Om Prakash Singh presently posted as DG, CISF, to take over as DG Police.
Suspense over Singh joining DGP’s post arose when on January 13, the Centre cleared names of 20 officials releasing them for the state duty but his name was missing.
This extraordinary delay left political and bureaucratic circle abuzz with speculation. With both the Centre and the state being ruled by the BJP, this inordinate delay is all the more baffling.