Police personnel who risk their lives to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections are valued at just Rs 500 said a spokesperson, adding that every police officer, employee and home guard deployed for election duty should be paid a minimum allowance of Rs 5000
Mumbai Police constables conduct a march past at Dhobi Talao prior to the BMC elections. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
In our front-page report, we informed that the Maharashtra Police Boys’ Association had launched a scathing attack on the State Election Commission, calling the election duty allowance of Rs 500 paid to police personnel “humiliating” and warning of a large-scale protest in Mumbai if the issue was not resolved immediately.
It was alleged that police officers and personnel deployed for election duty were paid only Rs 500, while staff from other government departments received significantly higher allowances.
Police personnel who risk their lives to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections are valued at just Rs 500 said a spokesperson, adding that every police officer, employee and home guard deployed for election duty should be paid a minimum allowance of Rs 5000.
An inspector general of police (law and order) stated that the matter was under examination.
He stated that there is a verification process for personnel concerned to ascertain whether they were assigned core or peripheral duty.
One can only hope that this kind of investigation does not take months, if not years! One would think that this is fairly straightforward: simply check records for what kind of duty it was.
Having said that, the amount should be commensurate with the duty, the risks and keeping today's times in mind.
There can also be a discussion about whether this amount reflects and is justified for the work put in by the personnel. If there is so much discontent and a feeling not just about being underpaid but a searing sense of humiliation, this needs to be addressed pronto.
While there may be different agencies paying out amounts to different personnel on election duty, a comparison chart will help, too. Mental health is important. If a quick check shows the demand for more is justified, amends must be made, and the higher amount must be paid out.
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