The Union Home Ministry has directed IPS officers to disclose details of their immovable property, failing which they may be denied promotion and other service benefits. Even though the number of officers declaring their assets had gone up considerably in the last few years, the MHA, which is cadre controlling authority of IPS officers, has been concerned over about 15% of the existing strength of 3,894 IPS officers not filing their IPR so far. The latest directive is meant to make these officers fall in line. In a recent communication, the MHA asked chief secretaries, director general of police and the chiefs of central police organizations to seek an explanation from IPS officers who had not yet filed immovable property returns (IPR) for 2016. The last date to file IPR for 2016 online was January 31, 2017. If the officers don't submit their details immediately, they will invite denial of vigilance clearance, which will ultimately block their promotion. Earlier, only 30 to 40% of the IPS officers used to declare their assets. "There are strict rules now, so many are coming forward to declare their assets," said a ministry official.