Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has urged the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) to consider revising the duty timings of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel deployed for day and night duties in Bengaluru,citing severe physical, mental, and family-related stress among officers and staff.
In a letter dated January 16,KSPCA member Mohan Kumar Damappa stated that four KSRP battalions are currently deployed every day across Bengaluru city to maintain law and order.
However,the existing duty schedule has placed an excessive burden on personnel, forcing them to work extended hours ranging from 11 to 16 hours a day.
According to the letter,personnel assigned to day duty leave their homes as early as 6 am,collect weapons and ammunition,and report to designated police stations before commencing duty.
After completing duty around 8 pm,they return weapons to the armoury and reach home only by 10 pm.Officers are reportedly assigned day duty for three to four days a week and night duty for one to three days,leaving little time for rest or family life.
The Authority noted that such demanding schedules prevent personnel from spending time with their families, attending emergencies or family functions,and, in some cases,have led to deterioration in marital relationships, with a few families reportedly on the verge of separation.
The letter further highlighted that prolonged stress has resulted in serious health issues among staff,including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart-related ailments.
The KSPCA pointed out that while labour laws mandate an eight-hour workday,police personnel are routinely assigned extended shifts without the rotational relief systems available to other units.
The issue has previously been discussed in the Karnataka Legislature,the letter noted.While acknowledging that the police force is an essential round-the-clock service, the Authority recommended that, except in emergency or special situations,day city duty timings be revised to 10 am. to 6 pm, and night duty from 6 pm. to 6 am,to help personnel perform their duties in a stress-free manner while maintaining work-life balance.
The KSPCA has requested the head of the reserve force to examine the proposal and issue appropriate directions or a circular in the interest of personnel welfare.
Streamlining work hours would not only improve the quality of policing but also benefit the mental and physical health of personnel and help reduce the risk of corrupt practices,the Authority said.
