. Of the nearly 34,000 policemen, the government has provided flats to 20,150, including some 2000 officers of the rank of sub inspector and above.
More than 2000 newly constructed tenements are lying vacant in different police colonies in the city and just 218 men from the constabulary have applied so far to seek government accommodation, sources reveal.
This piece of statistic is contrary to the belief that the government does not provide adequate housing to the men in khakis. The reasons vary from convenience to financial benefits. Of the nearly 34,000 policemen, the government has provided flats to 20,150, including some 2000 officers of the rank of sub inspector and above.
Requests by 450 other officers and their subordinates to exchange accommodation to places of their choice are being considered, says Hemant Karkare, Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration).
Construction of residential towers at Worli Police Lines too is underway and is slated to provide more than 2,000 flats for the constabulary alone. “There is a huge demand for this new complex,” Karkare adds.
Most constables want houses in posh or prime localities and avoid houses in the suburbs, particularly eastern. Senior officials concede that the old buildings constructed and maintained by the state Public Works Department are in pitiable condition but the residents do not want to leave them as they find commuting easier from these centrally located areas. Then there are other advantages like education of their children and a friendly neighbourhood.
As per Pay Commission recommendations, the police are given the option of a government accommodation or of a House Rent Allowance that is equivalent to 30 per cent of their basic salary. The percentage ranges from Rs2000 to Rs3000 depending upon the number of years they have put in.
In some cases, the state has provided accommodation to officers like Inspectors at colonies meant for constabulary but keeping in mind the status of the officers the authorities made alterations by turning two smaller flats into one. In several other cases where both father and son work in the police department they have been allotted flats next to each other so that can stay as a joint family, the senior officials revealed.
“As cheaper and spacious accommodation is available in the city slums and neighbouring satellite townships, many constables opt for these places and claim the HRA to save money,” said a deputy commissioner at the police headquarters.
“Living at far off places takes a toll on the efficiency of the constables as they get tired even before they report for duty. Spending an equal time returning home also disturbs their family life. Life in slums adversely affects their health and behaviour. They are ruining their life to save a few bucks,” the official bemoaned.
Now the state Police Housing Corporation has taken upon itself to construct houses on their own instead of availing PWD’s services.
In the coming years when the projects at Worli, Ghatkopar and Marol are completed, the policemen will be able to live in much better places close to their places of work.
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