Pramesh S Jain
Home Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara said that Karnataka Police is among the best in the country,and he feels proud of its strength and discipline.
He was speaking at the“Police Staff Peak Cap Introduction and Distribution,” “Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Inauguration,”and“Sanmitra Launch”events organized by the Karnataka State Police Department at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha.
According to the India Justice Report,the Karnataka Police has ranked number one in several parameters, including how police function and ensure justice to citizens.
He recalled how British-era police uniforms and functioning have changed since independence.In British times,slouch hats were worn,which were later adopted by the armed forces in 1953.
Common police personnel used turbans until 1973,when then-Chief Minister Devaraj Urs introduced slouch hats for the police force.
The design hasn’t changed since then,though officers have endured both hardships and pride wearing it.
There had been repeated requests to change the cap—people complained it was heavy during rains and not aesthetically pleasing.
Even in 2015,when Parameshwara was Home Minister, the proposal arose but could not be approved for various reasons.
This time,after multiple discussions and reviewing other states’cap styles,the Chief Minister selected a blue-colored cap.Parameshwara congratulated him, calling it a historic day for the police department.
He added that wearing the new cap makes officers look smarter and instills confidence and unity across ranks.
While law and order have deteriorated in some states, Karnataka largely remains peaceful. For the past two years,the state has seen no major communal clashes or disturbances, thanks mainly to the department’s personnel.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved several departmental proposals.A new law ensures inspectors to SPs cannot be transferred for at least two years to improve stability.Similarly,lower-rank staff can now be transferred at the SP level.
The Chief Minister has also approved recruitment for constables and PSIs.Currently,16,000 constable posts are vacant in KSRP,CAR,and Civil Police divisions.
Recruitment for 8,500 posts will begin,with the notification expected within a week.
Thousands of crores have been allocated for police housing,providing better facilities than in other states.
Around 16,000 houses have been built,and the CM has promised to extend the housing scheme for another five years.
Health checkup allowances for police have been increased by Rs.1,500.The rule to offer jobs to families of officers who die while on duty, previously stalled,has been re-enforced, benefiting hundreds.
Leave-taking,which had long been a complicated issue in the department, has now been simplified,creating a better environment for personnel.
The state government has built a positive environment for the police, and officers must work in line with public expectations,Parameshwara said,expressing commitment to make Karnataka a“garden of peace.”
Calling drug menace a serious social problem,he mentioned that the CM has pledged to make Karnataka a drug-free state.
The department has already seized and destroyed drugs worth ₹250–300 crore over the past two years.
Despite vigilance,drugs continue to enter in parcels and other forms, so the ANTF has been created for total control.
Police personnel are being deployed through the “Sanmitra” program to monitor peddlers and addicts.
The“House-to-House Police”outreach program implemented in the state is running successfully. Collecting household information helps in responding effectively to complaints and reducing crime.
For the first time in India,an officer at the DGP rank has been assigned to the Narcotics Control Division.Also,33 DCRE police stations have been established to protect Scheduled Castes and Tribes against atrocities.
Parameshwara concluded that the police department is a disciplined branch and cannot be compared with others—it is the “eyes of the state.
”The department plays a vital role in upholding the government’s reputation and maintaining peace and order.
With the new cap,he said, they are not merely changing appearance but boosting confidence among all personnel.
Chief Secretary,Director general and Inspector General of police and other senior officials were present .
