Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has written to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP),urging the department to examine the feasibility of providing midday meals to Bengaluru City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel deployed on day-long bandobast duties,on the lines of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP).
In a letter dated July 3,2026,KSPCA Member Mohan Kumar Danappa said CAR personnel routinely perform law and order,VIP security,protest management and other sensitive duties across the city,often working 12 to 14-hour shifts from 8 AM To 8 PM,without holidays or festival breaks.
The representation states that personnel deployed at locations such as Vidhana Soudha, cricket stadiums and protest sites are often unable to leave their posts for lunch because of operational commitments.
As a result,they spend between Rs.80 and Rs.120 a day on meals,adding a significant monthly financial burden.
It also claims that many personnel are forced to consume roadside food in a hurry,leading to gastric and other health-related problems.
The Authority pointed out that while KSRP personnel performing similar duties are provided meals by the department through a centralized kitchen system,CAR personnel do not receive the same facility.
It requested the police headquarters to examine the issue and consider introducing a similar arrangement for CAR platoons deployed in Bengaluru.
The letter also suggested interim measures,including a daily food allowance of Rs.100 until the facility is introduced,arranging food supply from nearby KSRP battalions,or sourcing packed meals through local self-help groups or the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
As a long-term solution,the Authority proposed setting up a centralized kitchen at the CAR headquarters on Mysuru Road,similar to the KSRP model,with meals transported to deployment points across the city.
The KSPCA said such a move would improve the health, morale and efficiency of personnel and requested the DG&IGP to examine the proposal and take appropriate action.
