The DGP writes to cops, bureaucrats, seeking to know if constables can have a union.
Director general of police SS Virk has sought views from within and outside the force to gauge opinion on whether the lower-rung personnel should be allowed to form an association.
The city constabulary had a welfare association since 1966 but it was banned when policemen, demanding better pay and working conditions, went on a strike in 1982. Unfortunately, the strike turned violent and the state had to call in the army to quell the riot, loot and arson.
Scores of policemen were suspended and arrested. But all were released after long and protracted legal battle. Since then, policemen have been making repeated representations to the DGP office seeking re-establishment of their association.
The constabulary said if IPS officers were allowed to have an association to safeguard their interests, the junior officers should also be permitted to have one.
The petition, signed by over 1,800 policemen seeking formation of an association, was rejected by the DGP office in August 1997. The aggrieved policemen then moved the high court which on July 16 this year allowed them to file a fresh application and asked the DGP to take a decision within six months.
Acting on court directive, Virk prepared a note and circulated among his senior colleagues and some retired senior police officers seeking their opinion on the re-establishment of the association.
The constabulary leaders say that they do not have an organisation to represent or discuss their grievances that include long working hours, regular double shifts, nominal refreshment allowance, meagre compensation for being denied a weekly off, 48 days of official holiday as opposed to 160 enjoyed by other government employees, inadequate provision for accommodation and gross misuse of welfare fund by senior police officers.
“We’ll study the feedback received from experts and take a final decision soon in this regard,” Virk said.
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