Why are 50000 Karnataka policemen going on mass leave?

The Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasangha has threatened to go on ‘mass leave’ across the State on June 4, in protest against the poor salary, harassment by senior officers in the name of discipline, improper leave structure, and other issues.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has promised to consider revising the salary of these police officials to bring it on par with other states during the next pay commission. 

They plan to go on ‘mass leave’ is a first in the State. At least 50,000 police personnel across the state have joined the movement.

1. Harassment by seniors: For the low ranking police personnel, the constant harassment in the name of discipline does not stop in the office. Hundreds of constables and head constables continue work as common house servants for their senior officers. From doing the laundry for the wives of their seniors to playing nanny to their children, the low-ranking officials wear many hats.

The protesting officials lament that this mistreatment has brought down the employee morale and self-esteem. 

2. No leaves: Hundreds of police constables claim that they are forced to work for at least 16 hours, seven days a week. With no proper weekends, the personnel claim that the stress of the job is eating away at their health.

3. Poor salary:  The Karnataka police are among the most poorly paid in south India. The monthly salary of a constable in Andhra Pradesh it is ₹ 28,000; Tamil Nadu it is ₹18,000, however, in Karnataka the salary is a mere ₹11,600.

4. No growth prospects: As per the rule, a constable who has served for seven years is by default eligible for a promotion, but there are cases in Karnataka wherein even after 10 years, a constable is denied a promotion.

5. Poor housing: Police personnel are entitled to housing facilities. However, these homes lack even basic facilities and are of poor quality.

6. Meagre TA: Often, police personnel are required to travel long distances to be part of security details for which they are paid a paltry travelling allowance of  ₹125, and this money also is paid only once in three months. Hence, constables dispatched to a far-off area are forced to spend his money for travel and food.