In a major milestone for the Punjab Police cadre, four senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the 1994 batch have been empaneled for appointment as Director General of Police (DGP) or equivalent positions in central government organizations. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved their empanelment, significantly enhancing Punjab’s representation at top policing levels nationwide.
The empaneled officers are:
- AS Rai, Special DGP (Traffic)
- Praveen Kumar Sinha, Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau & Intelligence
- Anita Punj, Director, Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur
- S. Srivastava, Special DGP (Security)
These officers bring a wealth of experience across vital domains such as traffic regulation, intelligence, training, and security management.
Strengthening Punjab’s Presence in National Policing
Previously, only one Punjab cadre officer—Gaurav Yadav, the current DGP of Punjab—was empaneled for DGP-level positions at the Centre. With this new development, the state significantly expands its footprint within the central police leadership structure.
Why Central Empanelment Matters
Empanelment for central deputation is a competitive and prestigious process. Officers selected through this mechanism become eligible for senior leadership roles in key national agencies such as:
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Other central police and paramilitary forces
This recognition reflects both professional excellence and the growing national relevance of officers from the Punjab cadre.
A Landmark for Punjab Police
The inclusion of four officers from the same batch is a rare and noteworthy achievement. It underscores the consistent grooming of leadership talent within the Punjab Police and highlights the Centre’s confidence in their capabilities.