Two More Jharkhand-Cadre IPS Officers Seek Central Deputation

The trend of Jharkhand-cadre IPS officers opting for central deputation appears to be gaining momentum, with two more officers now seeking an opportunity to serve at the Centre.

According to information available, 2013-batch IPS officer Nidhi Dwivedi and 2014-batch IPS officer Piyush Pandey have applied for central deputation. Their applications will move forward once the Jharkhand government issues the required No Objection Certificate (NOC).

They are not the only officers from the cadre seeking such assignments. Earlier, 2011-batch IPS officer Priyadarshi Alok had also applied for central deputation. There is also speculation that another IPS officer could move to the Intelligence Bureau, although the development has not been formally confirmed.

The latest applications come soon after three senior IPS officers from Jharkhand moved to central deputation last month. They include IG A. Vijaya Lakshmi, DIG Surendra Kumar Jha and DIG Chandan Kumar Jha.

The growing movement is significant because Jharkhand-cadre officers already have a substantial presence in central organisations. At present, around 26 IPS officers from the cadre are reportedly serving at the Centre in positions ranging from SP to DG level. If the latest applications receive the state's approval, the cadre's representation in central agencies and organisations will increase further.

Central deputation gives state-cadre officers an opportunity to work in specialised national institutions and gain experience in areas such as intelligence, internal security, investigation and policy implementation. At the same time, a steady movement of senior officers to the Centre can also affect the availability of experienced leadership within the state police establishment.

For now, the key development is the state government's decision on the NOCs. Once the necessary clearance is granted, the applications of Nidhi Dwivedi and Piyush Pandey can proceed through the central deputation process.