Police are unhappy with the government’s unfulfilled promises… Police’s demands

Police Discontent Over Unfulfilled Government Promises

Second-level police constables in Tamil Nadu have long expressed dissatisfaction with the existing promotion policies in the police force. Their frustration stems from stagnant career progression and unfulfilled promises made during election campaigns, particularly by the DMK party in 2021. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the situation.

1. Current Promotion System

The current promotion policy for uniformed police personnel is structured as follows:

• Second-Level Constables:
  Eligible for promotion to First-Level Constables after completing 10 years of service, provided they take no more than 12 days of leave per year during the first two years. Any excess leave delays the promotion.
• First-Level Constables:
  Promoted to Head Constables after completing 15 years of service.
• Head Constables:
  Eligible for promotion to Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) after completing 25 years of service.

This rigid structure often results in the majority of police personnel retiring without reaching higher ranks, such as SSI, despite serving their full tenure.

2. DMK’s 2021 Election Promise

During the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the DMK made a specific promise in its manifesto to reform promotion policies. It pledged to reduce the required years of service for promotions:

1. 7 years of service -> Promotion to First-Level Constable.
2. 10 years of service -> Promotion to Head Constable.
3. 20 years of service -> Promotion to Special Sub-Inspector (SSI).

This promise was widely welcomed by police personnel, as it offered hope for faster career progression. Many personnel claim they supported the DMK in the elections, believing this reform would be implemented.

3. Unfulfilled Promises and Growing Frustration

Three years into DMK’s tenure, the promised reforms have not been implemented. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction among police personnel. Their primary grievances include:

• Delayed Promotions:
  The current system causes significant delays, often leaving personnel stuck in lower ranks for the majority of their careers.
• Missed Career Goals:
  Many personnel are unable to retire with higher ranks or better financial benefits, affecting their morale and quality of life post-retirement.
• Perceived Betrayal:
  Personnel feel let down as they perceive the unfulfilled promise as a betrayal of their trust and electoral support.

4. Key Demands of Police Personnel

The police force has been vocal about their demands, emphasizing the need for immediate action:

1. Reduction in Service Years for Promotion:
   Align the promotion criteria with the election promise: 7, 10, and 20 years for respective ranks.
2. Simplified Promotion Criteria:
   Remove excessive conditions, such as strict leave restrictions, which currently delay promotions.
3. Recognition of Contributions:
   Ensure that their contributions to public safety are acknowledged through fair career advancement opportunities.

5. The Broader Impact of Discontent

The growing dissatisfaction within the police force could have broader implications:

• Operational Efficiency:
  Discontent among personnel may lead to decreased efficiency and commitment in their duties.
• Public Safety:
  A demotivated police force could indirectly impact the quality of law enforcement and public safety services.
• Trust in Governance:
  Unfulfilled promises erode trust not only within the police force but also among the public, who rely on the government to uphold its commitments.

6. Recommendations for Immediate Action

To address these grievances, the government should consider the following steps:

1. Implement Election Promises:
   Expedite the reduction of service years for promotions as pledged.
2. Conduct Open Consultations:
   Engage with police personnel to understand their concerns and craft practical solutions.
3. Enhance Communication:
   Regular updates on policy progress can help rebuild trust and prevent misunderstandings.
4. Prioritize Police Welfare:
   Focus on improving overall working conditions, including mental health support, leave policies, and retirement benefits.

Conclusion

The DMK government faces mounting pressure to deliver on its 2021 election promises. Addressing these long-standing issues is essential not only to restore trust among police personnel but also to ensure the efficiency and morale of the force. Swift and decisive action can bridge the gap between promise and delivery, fostering a stronger relationship between the government and its police force.