KOCHI: In a rare development, five retired officers of the Kerala State Police Service are set to don their uniforms again, with the Home Ministry conferring them with IPS rank this year.
In total, 10 officers from Kerala police, including both serving and retired, have been awarded IPS in recognition of their meritorious service, drawn from the 2023 and 2024 select lists, according to a top officer with the police department.
“Following the gazette notification, all the retired officers in the list have expressed their willingness to rejoin the force. Some have already rejoined and are now awaiting formal appointments,” the officer said. One of the officers, however, is yet to receive official clearance due to a pending inquiry, he said.
In Kerala, the retirement age for state service officers is 56, while IPS officers retire at 60.
“As a result, many conferred IPS officers retire at the SP rank. A handful have retired as deputy inspector generals (DIGs). Most officers on the current conferred IPS list are between 56 and 58 years of age, giving them an opportunity to serve the force for another two to four years,” the officer added.
C S Shahul Hameed, who was conferred with the IPS title after having retired as an SP with the Crime Branch in Idukki, told TNIE that the honour was both humbling and fulfilling.
“Though there was a break in service after my retirement, I am excited to wear the uniform again and continue serving the force. As I understand, I may get an opportunity to serve for about three and a half years. Even a single day in uniform now is a matter of pride and happiness for me,” Hameed said.
A source with Kochi city police said the delay in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) approving the select lists for 2023 and 2024 resulted in the setback of promotions and appointments under the conferred IPS category. Such delays, he pointed out, have occurred in the past as well, and at times, have extended even longer than the present instance.
“Officers who are awarded conferred IPS while still in service gain the added benefit of service extension, along with the prescribed pay scale and allowances. However, those who receive it after retirement will have a break in their service record, though they are entitled to the pay scale and other allowances of an IPS-ranked officer,” the officer added.
Kerala police officers conferred with IPS title
Retired officers
B Krishnakumar, Prejish Thottathil, E N Suresh and A U Sunil Kumar (2023 list)
C S Shahul Hameed (2024 list)
Serving officers
Nasim (SP, Marine Enforcement-2023 list)
N Rajan (SP, KSEB Vigilance), G Sabu (SP, Special Branch, Kozhikode), P Vikraman (Vigilance Officer-excise), Jossy Cherian (pending clearance in disciplinary proceedings) — all 2024 list