Siddarth Sethia
The Karnataka government is exploring the possibility of introducing a rental or leasing model for police vehicles as part of efforts to modernise the police department, reduce upfront capital expenditure and ensure quicker availability of vehicles for operational requirements.
Home minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday held a meeting with officials from the Karnataka Police’s communications,logistics and modernisation wing and representatives of more than 20 automobile and two-wheeler manufacturers, including companies producing electric and conventional vehicles.
The proposal seeks to provide an alternative to the existing practice of purchasing vehicles outright.
Mr.Kharge said a rental or leasing model could enable the department to use its available resources more efficiently while responding quickly to changing operational requirements.
“The government’s objective is not merely to purchase vehicles, but to use public money judiciously and improve the efficiency of the police department.
Instead of making a large capital expenditure at one go, we will examine all possibilities of adding vehicles quickly according to the department’s requirements and managing their use and maintenance more efficiently,” Mr.Kharge said.
Under the proposed model,the police could potentially increase its fleet according to operational needs and deploy vehicles for law and order duties,patrolling, emergency response and investigations.
