Himachal cops to carry only Rs 200 or face music

Police chief in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh has come out with a "novel" way to ebb corruption within the force. He has issued directions that a policeman will not carry cash of more than Rs 200 in his pocket while on duty.

The order by the Una Superintendent of Police (SP) Divakar Sharma has arguably created a flutter among the cops. A cop now found on duty with currency in excess of Rs 200 in his pockets will face stern action, including suspension.

The SP said the move was to ensure policemen do their duty diligently without seeking bribe. The order will currently apply to traffic policemen on roads and those deployed on highway Naka duty. The avantgarde initiative by the IPS officer stems from growing complaints from residents of the district of exploitation by traffic and security cops on-road duty.

In case any policeman on duty needs to carry more than Rs 200 for some reason, he would have to notify in a register by making an entry of the excess cash he would have in his pocket on that day. He would have to declare it to his reporting officer before going on duty.

The SP orders, said sources, cannot be taken lightly. Divakar Sharma is known for walking the extra mile to ensure accountability of his men in khakhi. There have been instances in the past when the officer would land up camouflaged at the police Naka and traffic points to check the performance of his staff. He has caught policemen taking bribes, which is why the junior policemen under his command are taking the new order seriously.

Non-compliance of the orders, wilfully or otherwise, will invite departmental action, including suspension. Divakar Sharma maintained the move is also aimed at instilling public confidence.