Bangalore:
The rising cases of robbery, dacoity and murder of lonely and elderly people in the city has forced the state police to reintroduce the good old beat system abandoned 15 years ago.
"The beat system was discontinued 15 years ago due to various reasons. It would be reintroduced soon with active participation of local residents. About 8000 constables would be pressed into beat duty on both day and night shifts. The system would be supervised by 4000 assistant sub-inspectors. About 1035 assistant sub-inspectors are being recruited for the purpose. The beat system, with the involvement of local residents, will go a long way in preventing robbery, dacoity and other illegal activities in residential areas," home minister R Ashoka said at a 'Meet the Press' programme organised by Bangalore Reporters' Guild.
Apart from raising public safety, higher emphasis would be on improving the mindset of police personnel to make them people-friendly, courteous and responsive. The Police Act of 1965 would be amended and a bill in this regard would be introduced in the next session of state legislature to make the force more public oriented.
Replying to queries on rampant corruption in police force and low motivation level, Ashoka said he would personally visit police quarters every week to understand the problems being faced by police personnel and their families. Programmes would be chalked out to improve their housing conditions and liberal help would be provided for education of their children. A proposal for increasing the subsidised ration supply from the prevailing 10kg of rice per month was also under consideration. "I am planning to even stay in constables' home for a day very soon to have a first-hand experience of their plight. Improving their living conditions would go a long way in reducing corruption," Ashoka said.
The state government has already raised the daily allowance of police constables working on a holiday from Rs50 to Rs100. Efforts are on to improve their working conditions with adequate rest and good food.
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