Rajkumar Vishvakarma has been appointed as the officiating Director General of Uttar Pradesh. He is currently serving as the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board. A 1988 batch IPS officer, he is the second senior most IPS officer after Mukul Rohatgi in the state. His tenure will last till May 31, 2023.
Director General of Police is a rank in the Indian Police Services (IPS) which is held by the highest ranking police officer in a state or Union Territory. The DGP holds a three star rank and is appointed by the cabinet. State DGPs are appointed by the respective state governments after consultation with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The state government is required to send five names to UPSC which sends back three names after finalization. The appointment is made by the State Government from these three names. The insignia for the post of DGP consists of the national emblem over a crossed sword and baton.
Vishwakarma took charge from the outgoing Dr. Devendra Singh Chauhan who was appointed officiating DGP on May 13, 2022 after Mukul Goel was removed from the post due to reports that alleged “inaction” and “lack of interest in work”. The Uttar Pradesh Police took to twitter to communicate the top priorities of the appointed DGP. As per the tweet, he flagged eradication of mafias, increase in use of technology for policing and compassion in serving the citizens as his most important priorities while in office.
Vishwakarma hails from Jaunpur and his first appointment as an IPS officer was in the district of Prayagraj. He is known for being honest and fearless and has held several key posts in the past. The officer, who is set to retire in May, has done his graduation in mechanical engineering from Roorkee . He has also served as Inspector General of Law and Order under the Samajwadi Party government.