A critical police posting in the heart of the national capital has been lying vacant for almost two months as no one seems to be interested in taking up the job.
The post of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Parliament Street, which fell vacant after ACP Ajay Gupta’s retirement on August 29, has seen two designated officers decline to take charge, exposing a reluctance among senior personnel to assume the ‘high-pressure’ role.
Two senior police personnel, who were appointed to the position in the last 57 days, failed to turn up and assume charge. One of them had cited medical leave to delay taking charge.
So, why is this key post going unwanted?
According to police sources, the main culprit is the “triple burden” of the role — extreme pressure, high visibility, and lack of extra benefits.
“The ACP Parliament Street jurisdiction is one of the most sensitive in the city as it covers government installations, VIP security, and constant protest sites. The job is unrelenting, but it comes without any special allowances or pecuniary benefits. The risk and reward are simply not in balance,” a senior official who requested anonymity said.
The prolonged vacancy has forced an ad-hoc arrangement where other officers manage the extra workload, raising concerns about the long-term efficiency of policing in this vital zone.
As the search for a willing officer continues, the empty chair poses a stark question about incentives for high-stakes public posts.