Mumbai traffic constables to be shifted every 6 months to curb graft

In a move that will help in curbing corrupt practices by the city’s traffic cops, Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik has shot off a memo specifically asking a reshuffle of traffic constables from their postings every six months.

According to the police chief, it is the long-term posting at one particular spot that is at the heart of corrupt practices in the force.

“It’s been observed that constables bat for lucrative postings such as Lokhandwala circle, Haji Ali and Sion areas. They then get into the relationship building with people in and around their duty area, like restaurants, malls, multiplexes, shops, pay and park people, towing van operators and motorists, therein leading to the higher likelihood of corrupt practices,” said Patnaik.

Stating that a written memo had been shot off to the traffic branch to ensure constables are reshuffled every six to eight months, Patnaik said, “It is also good for them to know new places of the city, instead of being at one particular place for years. We have also inducted a lot of women into the traffic branch and hence not only the corruption level but also the cases of assault on traffic police staff too have gone down,” he said.

Further, the police chief has directed the senior traffic officers to keep a check on the crucial traffic-prone areas in the city by being more pro-active. “Senior traffic police officers have been asked to take review meetings in traffic booths instead of headquarters and conduct regular meeting with motorists and stake holders,” Patnaik added.