Assistant Inspector General of Police Vivek Syiem has issued a detailed clarification after a press report regarding promotions was published this week.
A local vernacular website published a list of Havildars in the Meghalaya Police who were promoted to Armed Branch Assistant Sub-Inspectors (AB ASIs).
Out of 22 names, only one Havildar had a Khasi-Jaintia surname, while 16 had Garo surnames. This, the website said, flies in the face of the state reservation policy.
However, today, Syiem issued a detailed clarification. In it he explained that the post of AB ASI is exclusively available in the India Reserve Battalions (IRBNs), i.e. the 3rd MLP (1st IRBN), 4th MLP (2nd IRBN), 5th MLP (3rd IRBN) & the 6th MLP (4th IRBN) and promotions are limited to these specific battalions.
To ensure inclusivity, names of willing personnel were called from all districts and battalions where Havildar posts exist. In response, 141 Havildars submitted their willingness to be considered for promotion, Syiem said. In compliance with the circular, a committee was formed to oversee the selection process and sat on October 7. The committee was headed by the DIG (TAP) and included the Commandants (COs) of the 1st, 3rd and 6th Battalions, along with Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) Training & Armed Police (TAP).
“The service particulars of all willing personnel were compiled and thoroughly reviewed by the committee. During this process, the committee meticulously screened all records to assess the eligibility and suitability,” Syiem said.
After conducting a comprehensive review and screening of all service particulars, the committee recommended the names of eligible personnel to the Asstt. Inspector General of Police (A) (AIG A) for further consideration. These recommendations are based on the seniority of personnel and availability of vacancies. The AIG (A) then presents these recommendations to the Police Establishment Board (PEB) for final consideration of the promotion and posting. Once approved, the promotion and transfer orders are issued accordingly.
Syiem emphasised that there is no reservation policy for promotions within the department. Promotions are granted purely on the basis of seniority and merit, “ensuring a fair and merit-based system”.
Over the past two years, 1,471 personnel of various ranks have been considered for promotion and all promotions have been carried out in strict accordance with the circular and orders issued by the DGP’s office, he said. “The entire process is conducted transparently, adhering to the established guidelines from the DGP’s office. This ensures that all promotions are made based on seniority, merit and availability of vacancies, maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Department’s rules and regulations.”
