IPS promotions lag in MP, over 500 DSPs stuck:1997 batch officers still await elevation

Promotion to the Indian Police Service (IPS) has become a distant dream for State Police Service (SPS) officers in Madhya Pradesh. Officers from the 1997 batch are still waiting in line for elevation, even as their counterparts in other states have already been promoted. In contrast, officers from the 2002 batch in Chhattisgarh and the 2012 batch in Karnataka have already been inducted into the IPS cadre. Eligible after 8 years, waiting for decades As per rules, Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) become eligible for promotion to the IPS after completing eight years of service. However, in Madhya Pradesh, even after 28 years of service, many officers are still awaiting promotion. More than 500 DSPs in the state are eligible but have not been promoted to IPS. Limited promotion opportunities despite vacancies Despite several vacant posts under the IPS promotion quota, the number of promotions has remained minimal: Meanwhile, officers from the 2008 batch of the State Administrative Service (SAS) have already been elevated to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), highlighting a stark contrast. Suggested solutions by Police Association Jitendra Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and president of the State Police Service Association, has proposed key measures to address the issue: Expansion of Commissionerates Introduce the commissionerate system in cities like Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain to create more senior ASP-level posts. Gazette notification for 31 posts Reserve 31 Superintendent of Police (SP)-level posts in departments such as Special Branch, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Special Task Force (STF), and Cyber units for SPS officers. Cadre review Fill positions like Commandant in battalions and SPs in districts through non-cadre posts, similar to other states. Impact of delayed promotions Experts highlight three major consequences of the prolonged delay: 1. Frustration among officers IAS officers from the same batch have progressed significantly, affecting morale within the police force. 2. Loss of experience in decision-making Senior officers possess valuable field experience but are excluded from key decision-making roles due to delayed promotions. 3. Uninspiring retirements Most officers are likely to retire at the ASP or SP rank, reflecting poor cadre management. Lack of cadre review a key issue Jitendra Singh stated that the cadre strength for IPS promotions from SPS in Madhya Pradesh is only 97, compared to a total DSP cadre strength of 1,269—indicating a significant imbalance. In comparison, the cadre strength for IAS promotions from the State Administrative Service stands at 151, which is proportionate to the total SAS strength of 873 officers. “Cadre review should take place every five years, but in the last 23 years, it has been conducted only three times,” he said.