Maharashtra police advised to greet callers with Jai Hind and not designation

In a welcome move, Maharashtra police has issued a circular asking its officers to answer phones with their name followed by a Jai Hind or Namaste. No ranks please, reads the circular.

According to the circular issued from the office of additional director general (ADG) of police, training and special units, the decision to answer calls on official number with their name followed by Jai Hind or Namaste was taken in a meeting attended by director generals of police (DGP) of all the states. The meeting was held from December 18 to 20 last year, at Bhuj in Gujarat.

"All the police force in the world has always been proud of their ranks and also very conscious of their hierarchy. The move is a welcoming one as we as a force are here to serve people. Whenever someone calls and the officer mentions his rank the caller might get conscious or wary and might not be completely open while speaking to the officer," said a senior ranking Indian Police Service (IPS) officer on condition of anonymity.

He added: "When an officer calls another officer, they are too aware of each other's rank and there is no need to always mention it while answering a call. Telling your name first in basic conversation always helps break the ice and get into a comfort zone."

Until now, every officer who would receive a call at police station would first specify his rank followed by his name before starting the conversation.