The Centre has modified the guidelines for empanelment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for Inspector General (IG) and equivalent posts at the Centre, introducing a new eligibility condition applicable to officers of the 2011 batch onwards.According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA on January 28), a minimum of two years of Central deputation at the level of Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) or equivalent will be mandatory for empanelment to IG-level posts at the Centre.The revised condition will apply prospectively to officers of the 2011 batch onwards who are currently serving at the DIG or equivalent level in their cadres and are likely to be considered for IG empanelment in the coming years.The decision is expected to help address vacancies in Central Police Organisations (CPOs), where several posts at the SP and DIG levels are currently vacant.