Thiruvananthapuram, the Congress-led opposition UDF on Monday criticized the Left government in Kerala over the rise in suicides among police officers and staged a strike after the president denied them permission to discuss the matter.
Congress MLA PC Vishnunadh moved a notice for an adjournment motion on the matter and said shortage of staff, hectic schedule and long working hours were among the causes of rise in suicides among officers.
Vishnunadh claimed that 88 officers had committed suicide in the last five years.
"At the same time, 148 officers have taken up the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) and have opted for other jobs due to intense work pressure in the force," he said.
The Congress MLA further stated that severe staff shortage in the police force has led to overstretching of existing personnel, leading to conflicts and depression, among other issues.
"Although at least 118 officers are needed in a police station, there are only 44 available. These 44 officers are tasked with law enforcement, investigation, judicial duties, VIP management, traffic cases and much more. Officers Ni They don't even have time to spend with their families.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledged that there was a manpower shortage issue in the force.
"Overtime is part of the job. But we are trying to reduce long working hours," he said.
Suicides reported by police forces are not only due to work pressure but also family problems, illnesses and many other factors.
"In 52 police stations across the state, we have implemented eight-hour working hours. We plan to implement it in other police stations as well. However, the extension of working hours is also due to the nature of work," Vijayan added.
The CM also denied the allegation of political interference in the police force.
However, opposition leader VD Satheesan expressed shock over the suicide of 88 police officers in the state.
"The stress and tension faced by police officers should not be ignored as it affects the law and order of the state. The stress and tension faced by police officers will affect the common man who comes to the police station," he said.
He referred to a circular recently issued by the state police chief, which contains guidelines to ease work pressure on police officers.
"We saw the guidelines asking them to practice yoga. When they don't have time to leave work and spend time with family, how are they supposed to practice yoga?" Satheesan wondered.
He asked the Chief Minister not to ignore such an important issue.
Satheesan mentioned an incident in which a senior police officer was heard shouting at his junior officer.
"That junior officer will take out his frustration on the common man who arrives at the police station," he said.
In response, the Chief Minister enumerated the measures taken by the government for the welfare of police officers.
He said that recently 13 new police stations, 19 new cyber police stations and four new women police stations have been established.
Vijayan also pointed out that 5,670 new posts have been created in the force in the last eight years to reduce the workload.
After the CM's statement, Speaker AN Shamseer refused to allow the notice of adjournment motion.
To protest against this, the UDF organized a strike.
Congress MLA PC Vishnunadh moved a notice for an adjournment motion on the matter and said shortage of staff, hectic schedule and long working hours were among the causes of rise in suicides among officers.
Vishnunadh claimed that 88 officers had committed suicide in the last five years.
"At the same time, 148 officers have taken up the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) and have opted for other jobs due to intense work pressure in the force," he said.
The Congress MLA further stated that severe staff shortage in the police force has led to overstretching of existing personnel, leading to conflicts and depression, among other issues.
"Although at least 118 officers are needed in a police station, there are only 44 available. These 44 officers are tasked with law enforcement, investigation, judicial duties, VIP management, traffic cases and much more. Officers Ni They don't even have time to spend with their families.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledged that there was a manpower shortage issue in the force.
"Overtime is part of the job. But we are trying to reduce long working hours," he said.
Suicides reported by police forces are not only due to work pressure but also family problems, illnesses and many other factors.
"In 52 police stations across the state, we have implemented eight-hour working hours. We plan to implement it in other police stations as well. However, the extension of working hours is also due to the nature of work," Vijayan added.
The CM also denied the allegation of political interference in the police force.
However, opposition leader VD Satheesan expressed shock over the suicide of 88 police officers in the state.
"The stress and tension faced by police officers should not be ignored as it affects the law and order of the state. The stress and tension faced by police officers will affect the common man who comes to the police station," he said.
He referred to a circular recently issued by the state police chief, which contains guidelines to ease work pressure on police officers.
"We saw the guidelines asking them to practice yoga. When they don't have time to leave work and spend time with family, how are they supposed to practice yoga?" Satheesan wondered.
He asked the Chief Minister not to ignore such an important issue.
Satheesan mentioned an incident in which a senior police officer was heard shouting at his junior officer.
"That junior officer will take out his frustration on the common man who arrives at the police station," he said.
In response, the Chief Minister enumerated the measures taken by the government for the welfare of police officers.
He said that recently 13 new police stations, 19 new cyber police stations and four new women police stations have been established.
Vijayan also pointed out that 5,670 new posts have been created in the force in the last eight years to reduce the workload.
After the CM's statement, Speaker AN Shamseer refused to allow the notice of adjournment motion.
To protest against this, the UDF organized a strike.
