CM Yogi Explains Appointment of Ex-DGP Prashant Kumar as Chairman of Education Service Selection Commission

Questions have been raised across political and administrative circles regarding the appointment of former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar as the Chairman of the Education Service Selection Commission. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has now addressed these concerns in the state assembly.

Prashant Kumar, a trusted officer in CM Yogi’s tenure, had previously been appointed as UP DGP beyond conventional norms. Following his retirement, speculation about his return to a position of influence persisted. His recent appointment as head of the Education Service Selection Commission has now confirmed his re-entry into administrative power.

CM Yogi emphasized that the move aims to curb widespread malpractice in recruitment processes. “Just as our government broke the backbone of mafia elements, we will now take similar action against exam and recruitment fraudsters,” he stated. Highlighting the need for integrity in public service, the CM underlined that corrupt practices, including cheating in examinations, had been encouraged during the previous SP regime, and it was now the government’s duty to correct these malpractices.

Prashant Kumar’s tenure as DGP was marked by decisive action against organized crime, high-profile criminals, and female-targeted offenses. He played a key role in implementing the government’s policies on encounters, half-encounters, and bulldozer actions. His reputation as an “encounter specialist,” with over 300 encounters during his service, and being awarded the President’s Police Medal for four consecutive years (2020–2023), further underscores his record of effective law enforcement.

The Chief Minister clarified that under Kumar’s leadership, the Education Service Selection Commission will focus on transparency and strict action against recruitment frauds, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair and accountable administrative processes.