In order to ensure that Vakola-like incidents do not occur again, Mumbai police chief Rakesh Maria on Tuesday held a meeting with senior police officers and asked them to initiate the 'Programme Reconnect' immediately
The shocking incident at Vakola police station wherein assistant sub-inspector Dilip Shirke opened fire from his service revolver on senior inspector of police Vilas Joshi has again brought to the fore the issue of poor connectivity between the lower rung of the force with their higher-ups. In order to ensure that Vakola-like incidents do not occur again, Mumbai police chief Rakesh Maria on Tuesday held a meeting with senior police officers and asked them to initiate the 'Programme Reconnect' immediately. Through this programme, the force will bridge the gap between the ranks and make sure that grievances of the lower ranks do not go unheard.
Around 10.30am, a wireless message informed all deputy, additional and joint commissioners of the 1pm meeting with the commissioner. During the three-hour meeting, the Vakola firing incident and issues with regards to lower rung of the department were discussed at length.
"The commissioner said that Vakola-like incident should not happen again and measures must be taken to address issues of the constabulary. The commissioner is of the view that senior officers are very busy with their daily work and due to this the connection with the lower rung is lacking," said a senior police officer.
Maria has reportedly told the senior officers that priority should be given to police welfare. "We were told that if a constable is having any issues with regards to his duty, then it should be addressed; men should be put on rotation duty and leave issues should not be kept pending," the officer said.
The commissioner has initiated the Programme Reconnect. "Under this programme, every deputy commissioner will be holding a get-together with each police station in his zone on Saturdays and would address their grievances. On Fridays, every deputy and additional commissioner would be available to their juniors between 4 and 6pm to listen to their individual grievances. In this meeting, the lower rung would be given freedom to express their issues without any fear, even if it is against any superior officer. Earlier, this entire process used to be very formal, which won't be the case now," added the officer.
Another police officer said that under the programme the senior officers will also have to visit police lines and police quarters to observe if there are any issues with the police families. "The commissioner has clearly stated that nobody would be allowed to use abusive language towards their subordinates. The commissioner himself will take review every week on the programme," the officer said.
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