Rajasthan Police is grappling with severe understaffing issues as the state government delays its decision on the 2021 Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam. Official records reveal a significant vacancy crisis, with only 2,554 of the 4,661 sanctioned SI positions filled, leaving 2,107 posts unoccupied.
The shortage extends to the inspector cadre, where 229 of the 1,410 sanctioned positions remain vacant. These gaps are particularly troubling as SIs and inspectors are vital to policing functions, serving as Station House Officers (SHOs) and Investigation Officers (IOs) for critical cases. In larger cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur, Circle Inspectors (CIs) often function as SHOs and advance to become Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs). With Rajasthan’s 1,014 police stations impacted, operational efficiency is severely hindered.
Beyond police stations, SIs and inspectors play crucial roles in specialized units, including the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Special Operations Group, Anti-Terrorist Squad, and Government Railway Police. The staffing crunch affects the effectiveness of these units, which are critical to maintaining law and order.
The last SI recruitment exam in 2021 followed a five-year gap since 2016, disrupting the usual recruitment cycle. The 2021 batch faced further setbacks when a large-scale cheating scandal was uncovered. The Special Operations Group (SOG) discovered leaked question papers and impersonation cases, leading to the arrest of over 50 trainee SIs. While 26 have since received bail, concerns remain about the possible return of compromised candidates.
The unresolved controversy has delayed the Chief Minister’s decision on whether to cancel the examination, exacerbating the staffing crisis. Police Headquarters estimates that the 2021 SI batch will complete its training by the end of December, but this alone is insufficient to address the current shortage.
Experts and police officials emphasize the need for consistent recruitment cycles, advocating for annual examinations to avoid future disruptions. With 961 inspector positions vacant and promotions delayed due to irregular exams and physical assessments, the force’s operational capabilities remain at risk.