Monday, 25 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The return of 1995 batch IPS officer Deepam Seth to Uttarakhand has fueled speculations about his appointment as the State’s next Director General of Police (DGP). Seth, who was appointed as an additional director general (ADG) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on deputation, has been relieved from his assignment following a request from the Uttarakhand government. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter approving Seth’s repatriation to his parent cadre in Uttarakhand on Friday. Seth was officially relieved from his deputation on Saturday, sparking discussions about the State’s plans for the DGP position. It is being believed that Seth is set to be promoted to the rank of DGP in January 2025, being the senior-most officer eligible for the position. The debate over Uttarakhand DGP’s appointment has been ongoing since the retirement of former DGP Ashok Kumar last year. At the time, the Union Government had relaxed the rules for States without DG-rank officers, allowing ADG-rank officers with at least 25 years of service to be considered. Among the five ADG-rank officers in Uttarakhand, Seth was the most senior. However, his deputation to the SSB delayed his consideration. Instead, ADG Abhinav Kumar, whose parent cadre is Uttar Pradesh, was appointed as the officiating DGP on November 30, 2023, under the relaxed rules. However with Seth’s sudden recall and immediate release from deputation, the focus has shifted back to his potential appointment as Uttarakhand’s permanent DGP. The move aligns with his seniority and qualifications, and his promotion to DG rank in January further strengthens his candidacy.
Uttarakhand Home secretary Shailesh Bagauli has also reportedly initiated Seth’s return by writing to the Union Government, which promptly approved the request. An order from the Union Government’s under secretary was issued shortly afterwards, clearing the way for Seth’s return. As Seth returns to Uttarakhand, questions remain about his immediate responsibilities and whether he will be formally appointed as the DGP.
