GUWAHATI: In a bid towards overhauling Assam’s law enforcement, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh announced that 48 Assam Police personnel have been dismissed from service till October 31, with an additional 250 receiving voluntary or compulsory retirements.
Though Singh did not specify the reasons for the dismissals or retirements, the move signals a proactive step in streamlining the state’s law enforcement agencies.
The move, however, follows closely on the heels of an incident in which a constable was suspended after a video of him consuming alcohol while on duty went viral on social media.
This initiative to revamp the police force began in May, as DGP GP Singh committed to removing “deadwood” from the organisation, targeting habitual drinkers, those suffering from extreme obesity, and individuals facing charges of corruption.
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A list of approximately 680 personnel fitting these criteria was drawn, and following rigorous multi-tier reviews, those deemed unfit for duty were offered voluntary retirement.
During the same period, Singh informed that 4,807 police personnel received promotions, reflecting the ongoing efforts to recognise and uplift the hardworking members of the force.
Furthermore, nearly 600 personnel received commendations and medals at various levels in recognition of their outstanding performance, he informed the press, on Tuesday.
Among the notable distinctions, 455 officers were awarded the Director General’s Commendation Certificate, and 88 received the Director General’s Medal.
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The Chief Minister of Assam Medal was conferred upon 37 personnel, while the Union Home Minister’s Medal was awarded to four officers.
Eight officers earned the prestigious President’s Gallantry Medal, and one each received the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service and the Police Medal for meritorious service this year.
Notably, in an effort to improve the health and fitness of the police personnel, the force launched an ambitious Body Mass Index (BMI) test program in August, with DGP Singh himself undergoing the screening test.
Among the 70,161 personnel tested, nearly 2.5% were found to be obese (BMI exceeding 30).
