New Meghalaya DGP yet to be appointed

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Barely 28 days to go, Meghalaya is still waiting for the approval of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to appoint the State Director Genereal of Police (DGP).

State Minister in-charge of Home James K Sangma admitted that the government is waiting for the UPSC approval before choosing one of the three senior IPS officers that they have recommended.

“The moment the names of the recommended candidates are approved, we will take a call on who will take the mantle”, stated the State Home Minister, even as he refused to divulge on the identity of these senior officers. Meghalaya and Assam have a joint cadre and insinuations are going the rounds on the possible choice for the post. Presently, R Awasthi is holding temporary charge as the State DGP in lieu of the Supreme Court decision that there should be no acting DGP of any State. The Home Minister, when asked that the government is running out of time, stated,“How can we decide when the list of the qualified officers has not been sent back to us”, adding, “We are still waiting to ensure that a full fledged police chief takes over.”