Govt not expecting en mass leave protest by police: Karnataka HM

Karnataka government today said it was not expecting any mass leave protest by constabulary tomorrow, as most of them have withdrawn their leave applications. In most of the districts, the leave applications submitted by the constabulary, have been withdrawn by them, Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters. “...Where ever they have not withdrawn, there the leave applications have been rejected,” he said. He said that according to information, there would not be any strike tomorrow.

“After appeals made by me and Chief Minister that police is a disciplined department and all their demands will be considered, they have decided to withdraw their leave application and not to go on protest”, he said.

Protesting against the alleged “harassment” of lower rung police personnel by senior officials, lesser pay and no proper leave, constabulary have threatened to go on mass leave on June 4.

Requesting police personnel not to get instigated, Prameshwara said “attempts are being made by outsiders to destabilise police department... few involved in this are suspended and retired officials, with personal agenda.”

“We are all members of Police family, so I once again request them not to pay heed to others and not to go on strike,” he said.

Ahead of the threatened en mass leave protest, police had yesterday announced that the head of the association spearheading the stir has been arrested.

The arrest of Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha President V Shashidhar from his residence came a day after government brought police and related services under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

Parmeshwara said most of the demands made by the constabulary including issuing of smart cards, weekly offs, efficient residential or quarters facilities are being met.  The government was also considering demand of giving money to them along with their salary, instead of providing ration.

Noting that vacancies are being filled up to bring down the work load, he said “16,000 backlog what was there from 2008-2013, we have filled up 14,000 constables in three years after coming to power, and more 3,000 are in the process.” “Along with this we have got permission from finance department to make 15,000 recruitment in the next two years.

There is also a proposal to recruit as and when vacancy arises,” he said.