JOIN USHome minister confident cops won't breach discipline
Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday sought to downplay the proposed mass casual leave by the constabulary on June 4 as a mark of protest seeking fulfilment of various demands.
“The government expresses solidarity with the police department, especially the constabulary. The government has initiated a slew of measures in the last two years for their welfare. I earnestly appeal to the lower rung staff to withdraw their decision and be disciplined,” Parameshwara told reporters.
The Home minister did not have an answer if action would be taken against those crossing the limits of discipline. “There are provisions which can be used against the protesting cops. I am confident that none in the police department will protest. Hence, the question of initiating action is purely hypothetical,” he said.
Parameshwara admitted that the constabulary and lower rung staff were under tremendous pressure. “
“About 25,000 posts are vacant. About 8,500 candidates are under training and they will join the force in six months. The process to recruit another 5,000 candidates is on. This apart, the government will shortly issue a notification for filling up 3,500 posts. The government has given in-principle consent for the recruitment of 15,000 constables and sub-inspectors. Pressure will reduce marginally once these candidates join the force. Hence, I request the lower rung staff to wait for a while,” he added.
The government has promoted close to 2,850 police inspectors. Some staff who were suspended and some others who have retired are instigating the constabulary, the minister said. He did not reply to a query on the alternative arrangements in case of mass casual leave.
‘State police better paid’Parameshwara, Kempaiah, advisor to Home Minister, DG&IGP Omprakash, ADGPs Praveen Sood, Alok Mohan and Bengaluru Police Commissioner N S Megharik claimed that constables were better paid in Karnataka than their counterparts in other states.
“The government will set up a commission to look into the disparities in salaries,” the minister said. “In some places, a common leave request signed by about 20 constables has been processed. Senior staff have convinced them to withdraw the leave request and in some cases, the request has been withdrawn. Senior officers will convince their subordinates and the cops will keep up the reputation of Karnataka’s police force,” Parameshwara said. The minister avoided repeated questions regarding improper supply of materials at canteens and poor implementation of welfare schemes for the constabulary.