Pramesh S Jain
Police personnel in Karnataka will get new whistle guards and matte-finish uniform buttons to replace the existing metal accessories, following an announcement by Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar at the Police Martyrs’ Day programme.
The proposed changes are aimed at improving the comfort and health of police personnel, particularly lower-rank staff who wear uniforms during long hours of duty.
Metal whistle chains and buttons used on police uniforms are prone to rust due to changing weather conditions.
The rust can leave stubborn stains on uniforms, damage the fabric and potentially cause skin problems among personnel.
Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa had repeatedly written to the Home Department and the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP),urging the authorities to replace the existing metal accessories with more practical alternatives.
Danappa pointed out that several states,including Sikkim,Punjab,Andhra Pradesh,West Bengal,Telangana, Rajasthan,Delhi,Kerala,Odisha,
While some states have opted for khaki-coloured whistle guards, others use blue ones.
The proposed accessories in Karnataka will be selected to match the navy-blue peaked caps recently introduced for lower-rank police personnel,or in a colour approved by the department.
The introduction of navy-blue peaked caps had replaced the older British-era headgear worn by lower-rank personnel.
The earlier caps were reportedly uncomfortable, particularly during summer, and could cause discomfort during prolonged duty hours.
Danappa also cited the adoption of similar uniform accessories by personnel in the Forest and Transport departments while pressing for the changes in the police department.
Welcoming the Chief Minister’s announcement,Danappa thanked Shivakumar and the Home Minister for considering his representations and taking steps towards implementing the proposed changes.He said the move would improve the convenience and well-being of police personnel while on duty.
