IPS Daljit Singh Chaudhary became Director General of NSG

In a significant appointment, the Indian government has named IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary as the new Director General (DG) of the elite National Security Guard (NSG) force.

Daljit Singh, a 1984-batch IPS officer from Punjab cadre, will succeed MA Ganapathy upon his superannuation on February 28, 2024. The appointment order was issued by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Profile of Daljit Singh Chaudhary

Daljit Singh Chaudhary has an extensive policing career spanning nearly 4 decades. Currently, he serves as Special DG in the country’s apex anti-terror body, National Investigation Agency (NIA).

His domain expertise includes handling of terrorism/insurgency issues besides VVIP security planning/co-ordination having served in the Special Protection Group (SPG) securing high-risk individuals.

Some salient postings held by him earlier are:

• Special DG – Central Reserve Police Force
• Inspector General – Border Security Force, Punjab Frontier
• Deputy Inspector General – NSG Training Centre, Manesar
• Senior Superintendent – Chandigarh Police

About National Security Guard

The National Security Guard (NSG) is an elite counter-terrorism unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs established in 1984 following Operation Blue Star. Its combat-ready commandos are equipped to undertake specialist counterterror ops during hostage crises.

NSG personnel possess sophisticated assault weapons/gear coupled with advanced training in precision firing, blast control, reconnaissance etc.

The NSG DG is designated as an officer of the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) appointed through a rigorous selection process factoring seniority, operational aptitude and domain expertise.

Key Responsibilities

As NSG's Director General, Daljit Singh will be responsible for:

• Overseeing operational preparedness of Special Action Groups (SAGs) to tackle terror/hostage events
• Procurement/maintenance of specialized equipment for contingencies
• Conducting joint drills with state agencies to evolve best practices
• Ensuring regular upgrading of personnel on latest tactics/technologies
• Guiding recruitment and implementing training standards
• Providing logistical support to NSG hubs nationwide

Significant Issues to Address

Daljit Singh faces pertinent challenges like overhauling NSG's ageing infrastructure, enhancing synergy with local forces and scaling their rapid response capabilities.

Infrastructure Revamp

Experts have highlighted the need for NSG to augment operational facilities with advanced technologies befitting global standards at its bases across India.

Enhancing Federal Co-ordination

The new NSG Chief must focus on seamless coordination between NSG hubs and local security agencies during crisis situations through real-time information exchange.

Modernization Needs

Upgrading NSG's specialized equipment including night vision devices, armed vehicles, encrypted communication systems and breaching gear is required for effective future deployments.

Succession Planning

With several senior officers retiring soon, NSG needs efficient succession frameworks to retain combat-readiness. The DG faces the vital task of identifying and grooming next-generation leadership.

Comments by Home Ministry

The Ministry of Home Affairs expressed confidence that Daljit Singh's rich pedigree, operational field craft and administrative acumen will greatly benefit NSG with the new stint providing him ample scope to introduce reforms further enhancing NSG’s prowess.