LUCKNOW, June 10 — In one of its largest-ever public recruitment ceremonies, the Uttar Pradesh government will distribute appointment letters to over 60,000 newly selected police recruits this Sunday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to attend the landmark event at the Defence Expo Ground in Vrindavan Yojana.
The sprawling venue, spread over more than 100 acres, is being outfitted with massive waterproof pandals, special power arrangements, and seating for over 70,000 attendees, officials confirmed. “Separate transformers are being installed for uninterrupted power, and sitting arrangements are nearly complete,” said a senior police officer involved in the preparations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier confirmed Shah’s participation in his address last Sunday, calling the June 15 function a “moment of pride” for the state. “This ceremony reflects the government’s continued push for employment and police modernization,” he said.
The appointments stem from the UP Police Constables’ Direct Recruitment Examination-2023, a high-profile drive that attracted over 48 lakh applicants, including 15 lakh women. The process, however, was marred by controversy when a question paper leak forced the government to cancel the exam on February 24, 2024.
The episode gave political ammunition to the opposition during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, contributing to a noticeable dip in the BJP-led NDA’s performance in Uttar Pradesh — falling from 62 seats in 2019 to 33. With panchayat elections looming next year, the government is clearly aiming to rebuild momentum.
The recruitment process resumed under tight security and new leadership after Renuka Mishra was removed from her post as director of the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board. Her successor, Rajeev Krishna, oversaw the re-examination in August 2024 and is now managing the final onboarding of recruits.
In a letter to all district police chiefs and commissioners, DGP Rajeev Krishna instructed them to ensure cadre allocation for 48,196 male and 12,048 female recruits and to organize their travel to Lucknow. Male recruits are expected to attend the ceremony in full-sleeve white shirts, khaki trousers, and black shoes, while female candidates must wear plain salwar suits or sarees.
The Lucknow police commissioner has also been directed to arrange accommodation for the candidates. “Every effort is being made to ensure the recruits experience a dignified welcome into service,” a senior official said.
Beyond the ceremonial pageantry, the event marks the culmination of a long and troubled hiring process — and the state’s attempt to move past its setbacks with a public reaffirmation of its job-creation agenda.
