MHA to states: adopt Belagavi beat model

The Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended all states and Union Territories to adopt the ‘Belagavi model of new sub-beat system’ for policing, which was introduced across Karnataka on April 1, 2017.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police B R Ravikanthegowda had presented the practice before a team of Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), attached to Ministry of Home Affairs, on June 21, 2017.

The presentation was a part of National Police Mission (NPM) which has eight micro missions, each concerning specific area of policing, the second being community policing. New sub-beat system is a component of community policing.

“The BPR&D committee members were convinced that the Belagavi model is a practice towards people-friendly policing. It empowered constabulary through power and responsibility in their respective beat areas. It reduced burden on police inspectors and did not require any additional funds for the implementation” Ravikanthegowda, who was earlier Belagavi SP, told DH.

As it ensures improved police-public relations, better regular policing, overall improvement of services and better use of human resources, the committee forwarded a proposal to the team comprising retired DG&IPGs and IGPs, experts in different areas of policing, to consider it for the implementation. The team members thoroughly studied and approved it.

“The committee did not change a word from the ‘Belgavi model’ which is a matter of pride for the Karnataka police,” Ravikanthegowda said.

Based on the expert team’s advice, Parvez Hayat, Additional Director General, BPR&D issued a circular to DG&IGPs of all states and Union territories recommending the adoption of the ‘Belagavi model’

However, it is not mandatory for states to follow the direction as policing is a state subject.

After the Police IT, a scheme by the Karnataka police, the new sub-beat system is the second one from the state to be recommended for implementation at national-level.

Ravikanthegouda conceived the practice and introduced it across Belagavi district while serving there as the SP.

Based on the then Home Minister G Parameshwara’s advice, the then DG&IGP R K Dutta issued an order on April 1, 2017 for the Belagavi model implementation

New sub-beat system

Under the new practice, a constable or a head constable is appointed for the beat. He performs duties of a sub-inspector and is also authorised to serve summons, warrants, complete police verification, enquire on complaints, investigate cases, review rowdy elements and gather intelligence inputs. He is also empowered to discuss civic issues. Members of a cross section of the society are a part of the beat and meetings take place once a month.