Following the clearance of a home ministry proposal for “premature repatriation”, OP Singh, a 1983-batch IPS officer, is expected to assume office as the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police on 23 January.

The 59-year-old Singh was until 21 January serving as the head of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The post of UP-DGP has been lying vacant since Sulkhan Singh’s retirement on 31 December.

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The UP government has been requesting the Centre to relive OP Singh from Central deputation so that he can head the state police force.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the way for Singh to assume charge.

A gallantry medal winner, OP Singh has been credited with introducing key changes in the operations of the CISF, helping the Central Armed Police Force become more agile and efficient.

Singh has also served as the chief of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

He has held several key positions in Uttar Pradesh and has served as the SSP of Lucknow three times. He helped bring an end to terrorist activities in Lakhimpur Kheri in 1992-93 as the chief of police.

(With inputs from agencies.)