If this happens, IPS officers will be able to join outfits like the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation or National Investigation Agency as direct recruits without ever becoming part of a state cadre. This will help these agencies, which are facing a shortage of officers: the IB, for example, has a shortfall of 4,000 personnel in the field.
The ministry is also proposing to make it mandatory for IPS officers selected through the UPSC examination to “compulsorily” complete at least one term on deputation to a Central police organisation such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, Assam Rifles or IB.
“Under the existing system, IPS officers may come to the IB on deputation,” an intelligence official said. “After a certain period, they can opt to either stay or go back to their state cadre. If they remain with the IB, they become ‘hardcore’ officers and finish their remaining service in the IB.”
Making it mandatory for all direct recruit IPS officers to serve one term on deputation in a Central police organisation is also expected to take care of the large number of vacancies that they have.
Namrata Biji Ahuja