Gujarat IPS Shortage: 24 On Central Deputation, 14 With Additional Charge

The state has an authorised strength of 208 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, but as of January 2025, only 194 positions are filled, leaving a shortfall of 14 officers. Additionally, as per official information from the Home Department, around 24 IPS officers from the Gujarat cadre are currently on central deputation, further reducing the number of active officers available within the state. Moreover, 14 officers are managing additional responsibilities alongside their existing duties.

This staff shortage comes at a time when Gujarat is witnessing a rise in cybercrime and other offenses. It also highlights the growing gap between increasing crime rates and the state’s policing capacity. This situation is set to worsen with the impending retirements of state police chief Vikas Sahay and senior officer Vivek Srivastava in June 2025.

Ahead of this, a significant number of senior IPS officers are serving on deputation, mostly posted in the Central IB and CBI. Top sources from the Home Department have also revealed that a major reshuffle is underway in the state police department to address this critical manpower situation.