In a major administrative shift ahead of the bye-elections, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has decided to take control of appointment of the state's Director General of Police (DGP), bypassing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) panel process.
This move, approved at a Cabinet meeting late on Monday, means the UP government will now select the DGP independently, a decision previously overseen by the Centre.
The Yogi government has established a committee led by a retired High Court judge for the DGP's selection. The committee will comprise the Chief Secretary, a UPSC-nominated member, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Chairman or their nominee, the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary (Home), and a retired DGP.
This change also sets a two-year fixed tenure for the DGP's position. Following Punjab, UP becomes the second state in India to implement its own system for appointing the DGP.
The last full-time DGP in UP was Mukul Goyal, who was removed in May 2022, leaving the state with acting DGPs since. Reports suggest that Prashant Kumar is likely to be appointed as a full-time DGP under the new system.
Previously, UP followed the Centre's protocol, which stated that the government would send the names of eligible officers -- those with at least 30 years of service in the police force and six months left in tenure -- to the UPSC, which would then shortlist three candidates for the state's final selection.
Under the new system, only officers serving at the Director General of Police-level in pay matrix level 16 will be eligible for the DGP's role.
If a DGP is found involved in criminal activity, corruption, or failure in duties, the state government retains the authority to remove them before the end of their term.
However, any removal process must comply with the High Court guidelines outlined in relevant legal provisions.
CWG 2026: Preeti, Jaismine, Sakshi, Sachin win as India rule boxing ring with seven gold
Indian boxing scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Saturday by bagging seven gold medals — the highest-ever gold haul for the country in the competition.
Five NE states record below-normal monsoon rainfall in June-July despite widespread floods
Even as several Northeastern states were battered by heavy rains, floods and landslides during July, five of the region's eight states recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far due to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal, the absence of active monsoon troughs and the influence of El Nino, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Saturday.
Blood donation movement witnessing a renaissance in Tripura: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that there is currently a renaissance in the blood donation movement in the state. Along with creating a sense of spirituality through blood donation, a sweet bond is developed between the blood donor and the recipient.
Residents allege irregularities in Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road repair work, seek official inquiry
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing maintenance work on the Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road, with local residents claiming that the project is not being executed in accordance with the approved work order. They have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sports Minister inspects construction of youth hostel in Kailashahar
Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-bed Youth Hostel at Ward No. 14 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council in Unakoti district. Senior officials of the concerned department accompanied the minister during the visit.
Infant found dead in well in North district
A pall of grief and shock has descended on North Gopalpur village in North Tripura district after the body of a 12-day-old baby girl was recovered from a well early on Saturday morning.
Ahmedabad to officially receive Commonwealth Games Flag, Host Baton at Glasgow closing ceremony
Ahmedabad's preparations to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games will formally begin on Sunday when the city receives the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
AGMC to be top medical, research centre in NE: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state government is working relentlessly to transform the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital into one of the best medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare institutions in Northeast India, while strengthening the state’s overall healthcare ecosystem.