CHANDIGARH: The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday put on hold the merger of Chandigarh DSPs into DANIPS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police).
The Centre was under pressure from the Punjab government and its alliance partner SAD on the issue. Punjab politicians, including chief minister
Amarinder Singh and former CM
Parkash Singh Badal had opposed the move, fearing it would undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh.
On September 25, the MHA had issued notification for merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with DANIPS. The MHA has now kept the notification in abeyance till further orders.
In a fresh order, the MHA said, “The notification, dated September 25, merging the posts of DSPs of Chandigarh Police with DANIPS has been kept in abeyance till further orders.”
The MHA has further advised the Chandigarh Administration for maintaining 60:40 ratio between Punjab and Haryana for filling posts.
According to the norms, 60% bureaucrats in Chandigarh come from Punjab and 40% from Haryana. The post of adviser is reserved for a UT cadre officer.
After September 25 notification, DSPs working in Chandigarh had come the DANIPS cadre, which means that they can be transferred out of Chandigarh to other union territories — Delhi,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Dadar and Nagar Haveli. The notification had also brought down share of Chandigarh DSPs to half (from 17 to nine). But with the latest order by MHA, the UT cops are feeling relieved.
The MHA’s notification was major setback for Chandigarh police personnel. Some of the Chandigarh police personnel had challenged the deputation posting of DANIPS officers in Chandigarh and the matter is still pending in Punjab and Haryana high court. After the recent notification, some of UT police officials had moved the CAT.