Madhya Pradesh Police has proposed promoting SPs authority over DSP Postings which has sparked debate.
The Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters has proposed a significant administrative shift, recommending that Superintendents of Police (SPs) be empowered to assign Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to sub-divisions within their respective districts. Currently, this authority rests with the Home Department, which oversees DSP transfers and postings. Under the new proposal, the Home Department would continue to allocate DSPs to districts, but SPs would determine their specific placements within the district.
The proposal has sparked a divide among State Police Service officers. Senior officers largely support the move, arguing that it would streamline decision-making, accelerate transfers, and improve law and order management—similar to how Collectors assign Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). However, officers from the 2015 to 2018 batches are opposing the change, citing concerns over potential political interference and the erosion of impartiality in policing.
Madhya Pradesh’s smaller districts typically have between five and seven DSPs, while larger districts may have more than ten. Proponents believe the new system will enable quicker responses to law and order issues. However, some officers have voiced their opposition on social media and submitted an unsigned memorandum demanding that such transfers require approval at the Inspector General (IG) level to maintain neutrality.
With the state government expected to implement the system starting in April, discussions continue over its potential impact on police autonomy and governance. If enacted, the decision could significantly reshape law enforcement administration at the district level in Madhya Pradesh.
