The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed former state Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar as the new chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC). The appointment was officially announced on Wednesday evening.
A Police Veteran's New Assignment
Prashant Kumar, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, retired from the post of acting UP DGP on May 31 this year. He is widely recognized for his close association with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Following his new appointment, Kumar addressed the media, stating that his foremost priority would be to ensure "transparency in the selection process and cement the trust among the aspirants."
His selection for this crucial role did not come as a surprise to many political observers in Lucknow, given his distinguished service record and proximity to the state's leadership.
Scope of the UP Education Service Selection Commission
The UPESSC holds a pivotal role in shaping the state's education sector. Its responsibilities are vast and include:
- Recruiting teachers for the Higher Education Department, and the Departments of Basic Education, Secondary Education, Minority Welfare & Waqf, and Vocational Education & Skill Development.
- Selecting teachers for aided non-government colleges, aided minority colleges, intermediate colleges, higher secondary schools, high schools, and their affiliated primary schools.
- Recruiting teachers for institutions run by the newly established Atal Residential School Committee.
- Selecting instructors for government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
- Overseeing the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET).
This makes the commission the central agency for all major teacher recruitment in the state, impacting thousands of jobs and the quality of education.
Kumar's Illustrious Career and Achievements
Prashant Kumar is a decorated officer with a formidable reputation. He succeeded over a dozen senior officers to become the acting DGP in February 2024. His career highlights include:
As Additional Director General (ADG) and later Special DGP of Law & Order from May 2020 to January 2024, he was instrumental in several key initiatives. These included the constitution of the Anti-Mafia Task Force, the confiscation of illegal assets from criminals, and the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF).
He played a critical role in security planning for two of the state's biggest events: the foundation and inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Maha Kumbh. His tenure in the Meerut Range and as ADG Law & Order was also noted for actions against organized crime.
In recognition of his contributions, Lucknow University conferred upon him a D.Litt degree for his "outstanding contribution" and leadership in Defence & Strategic Studies. His service medals include the prestigious President's Gallantry Medal. Kumar also served an eight-year central deputation with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
His transition from overseeing law and order to heading the teacher recruitment body marks a significant shift, with the state government placing a premium on his administrative experience to bring fairness and efficiency to the selection process.
