Siddarth Sethia
Growing sense of distress is being reported among civil police constables in Bengaluru,as many eligible personnel continue to be denied inter-district transfers even after completing 10 years of service in a single unit.
Mohan Kumar Danappa,Member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority,has written to the Additional Chief Secretary highlighting the issue and urging immediate intervention.
In his communication,Danappa pointed out that under earlier norms,constables were eligible for transfer to their home districts after three years of service.
However,subsequent amendments extended this period to 10 years.
Despite fulfilling these revised criteria,several constables—particularly from the 2016 batch—are yet to be granted transfers under the general category.
He noted that while provisions introduced through the KSP portal in March 2023 allowed transfers on specific grounds such as spouse cases and ex-servicemen categories,many personnel under the general category have been left out.
“This has created an imbalance and a sense of discrimination among the staff,” he stated.The letter further highlights the human cost of the delay.
Many constables,often posted far from their native districts,are struggling to care for ageing parents and families.
Due to staff shortages,leave is also reportedly difficult to obtain,adding to mental and emotional stress.
Danappa observed that some personnel had even foregone promotions multiple times in anticipation of securing transfers closer to home.
“Despite sacrificing career progression and meeting all eligibility conditions,they continue to be denied transfers,”he said.
Reports suggest that the issue has already led to frustration within the force,with some personnel expressing their grievances on social media and in representations to the government.
In extreme cases,families of constables have reportedly written to authorities expressing severe distress.
Sources within the police department,however,attribute the delay in transfers to a shortage of personnel.
A significant proportion of constables are said to be from North Karnataka,and large-scale transfers could lead to staffing gaps in Bengaluru and other southern districts.
Danappa has urged the government to consider the matter on humanitarian grounds and take necessary steps to ensure transparent and fair transfers.
He emphasized that addressing the issue is crucial not only for the welfare of personnel but also for maintaining efficiency and morale within the police force.
