Assam Police personnel who are “habitual drinkers” and “physically unfit” will be offered voluntary retirement with the stated aim of creating a more efficient force.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, there are around 300 such police personnel who will be offered VRS and the posts will be filled with fresh recruitment.
“There are around 300 officers and personnel in the Assam Police who drink habitually. And drinking has completely damaged their bodies. There is a government provision for them to get VRS and continue getting their full salary as well. Youngsters will be able to replace them. We will proceed with this against 300 personnel,” he had said on Sunday.
According to Assam DGP G P Singh, these individuals are being identified by their units on the basis of their records. The personnel being identified were described by him as “habitual drunkards, physically unfit and having below average performance”.
“Past records are the prime consideration and the final decision will be taken by a three-member board chaired by the head of that particular unit. After that, the Assam Police headquarters will exercise due diligence,” he told The Indian Express.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Special DGP Harmeet Singh said that the rehabilitation of the personnel will also be a part of the process.
“There are around 300 people who possibly have an alcohol problem. The CM seeks to send them off with a golden handshake with VRS to look after them. Plus, we will help them with de-addiction, we will help them with rehabilitation. The whole idea is to help them carry on with their lives rather than be stuck with this problem… So the whole idea is to help these people and create a more professional force,” he said.
© The Indian Express (P) Ltd
