Northeast Desk, 8th May: The tenure of Lajja Ram Bishnoi as Meghalaya’s Director General of Police (DGP) is nearing its end, with the state gearing up to welcome a new top cop later this month. Bishnoi, an Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officer from the 1991 batch, assumed office on May 20, 2022, and will step down on May 19, 2024, as per a government notification issued on May 7.
Throughout his tenure, Bishnoi has implemented several measures to streamline the state police system, intensify the fight against drugs, and enhance policing efforts, particularly in Shillong. His initiatives have earned praise from various quarters, laying a strong foundation for his successor to build upon.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recommended three potential candidates for the DGP role – Idashisha Nongrang (1992 batch), Ram Prasad Meena (1993), and Deepak Kumar (1994) – all from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. The state cabinet is expected to convene shortly to finalize the appointment, after obtaining necessary approvals from the Election Commission due to the ongoing model code of conduct.
This transition holds significance as it aligns with the Supreme Court’s directives, which emphasize the appointment of DGPs for fixed two-year tenures and ensure a smooth transition process. The court’s guidelines also stipulate that incoming DGPs should have at least six months of service remaining before retirement, aiming to ensure continuity and stability in leadership.