The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission has recommended a pay hike for police constables on a par with their counterparts in the Union Government and other States. The Grade-II police constables are presently drawing salary in the pay scale of ₹18,200-52,900.
In its report submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently, the commission said it was of the firm opinion that the police constable of the State should be treated at least on a par with others of his/her class in the Union Government and most other States. It recommended that the pay scale of police constables may be fixed at ₹21,700-69,100. The allowances may be varied from time to time in keeping with the cost of living index.
The commission recommended that the minimum educational qualification for a police constable be increased from ‘a pass in the 10th standard’ to ‘a pass in +2’ or its equivalent. Candidates seeking recruitment under 20% ‘Persons Studied in Tamil Medium’ preference should have studied in Tamil Medium from 1st Standard to 12th Standard.
Stress in the force
Elaborating on police mental health and well-being, the commission said there was an urgent need to address and alleviate the stress experienced by police personnel. Promotion of mental health should be taken up on priority.
Death by suicide was high among police constables and head constables and they could be identified as high-risk groups experiencing mental health issues, needing counselling services and consultation by mental health experts.
The mental health status of the police should be reviewed periodically and a file maintained on this aspect by the Superintendent of Police and shared with other concerned officers for further action, if needed.
Given the positive and crucial outcomes of the Police Well-being Programme, the commission strongly recommended continuation of this programme at periodic intervals in collaboration with NIMHANS, Bengaluru, for the entire police force so that participants can handle stress, modify lifestyle, and strike a balance between work and life.
Prevention module
Suggesting a ‘Prevention Module’, the commission said human resources management policies should address issues relating to workplace engagement, health promotion, infrastructure, psychological and self-esteem needs in keeping with the times and changing aspirations of the police force.
Chain smokers and alcohol or substance abusers should be identified for close monitoring, counselling and referral to mental health experts. “The prevention aspect here is early detection, treatment, and close surveillance of the affected. Intense treatment inputs at this point will reduce the chronic nature of the illness leading to a better prognosis and quality of life,” the report said.
In January 2022, the State government constituted the fifth Police Commission headed by former judge of the Madras High Court C.T. Selvam and comprising retired IAS officer K. Alauddin, retired IPS officer K. Radhakrishnan, renowned psychiatrist Dr. C. Ramasubramaniam, and retired professor Nalini Rao as members. Senior IPS officer and Director-General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal was the member-secretary.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
