*Haryana DGP Pays Tribute to Fallen Police Officers on Police Commemoration Day*
*Chandigarh, October 21* – Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, along with other senior officials, paid tribute to the martyrs of the Indian police forces on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. The ceremony, held at the Police Lines in Panchkula, honored the sacrifices of 214 police martyrs across the country by laying a wreath at the ‘Police Shaheed Samarak.’
DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, while remembering the martyrs of police services, stated that today is dedicated to the brave police personnel who laid down their lives for maintaining law and order, ensuring the security of citizens, and protecting the nation’s unity and integrity. He further mentioned that since the formation of Haryana as a state, 83 police officers have sacrificed their lives in service of the state and its citizens.
The DGP emphasized that Haryana police officers are being trained with modern weapons to combat terrorist activities and confront challenges posed by anti-social elements to ensure the safety of citizens and protect national property.
DGP Kapur also mentioned several initiatives taken to strengthen Haryana’s police force, including the provision of advanced technological tools in police stations and outposts, connecting all police stations with CCTV cameras, and enhancing the ex gratia benefits provided to the families of police martyrs. In addition, children of martyred police officers are offered government jobs, financial assistance, and educational support, including free education in Police Public Schools.
He also highlighted that the state has established 22 Police Public Schools where children of police personnel receive a 50% fee concession, and from 2022-23, children of deceased police personnel are provided free education. Furthermore, Haryana police have initiated skill development programs for unemployed children of retired and Class IV police employees to help them secure employment in sectors like computer skills, driving, banking, and security services. These children are trained according to their educational qualification and post the training, they are referred to several organisation to secure a job and lead a respectful life.
To facilitate the education of police personnel’s children, 14 E-libraries have already been established in police lines across the state, with more under development. These e-libraries offer modern learning tools, including e-learning facilities. The Haryana Police Welfare Fund also provides scholarships to deserving children of police employees.
The health and well-being of police officers are prioritized as well, with gyms equipped with modern machines and trainers established in every district. A free health check-up initiative has been launched for police personnel aged 35 and above. Additionally, Haryana police have taken steps to provide uniforms to personnel at reduced costs.
He stated that the state government has taken historic steps towards the welfare of police personnel by increasing the uniform allowance for constables and head constables from ₹3,000 to ₹7,500 annually, and for ASIs, SIs, Inspectors, and DSPs, the uniform allowance has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 annually. In addition, constables and head constables now receive a mobile allowance of ₹200 per month, ASIs receive ₹250, SIs receive ₹300, and Inspectors receive ₹400 per month. Similarly, the travel allowance for police personnel has also been increased. Earlier, police officers were given a 10-day travel allowance, which has now been increased to 20 days.
The DGP mentioned that the state government has increased the ration allowance for IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) and HAP (Haryana Armed Police) personnel from ₹840 to ₹2,100 per month. Additionally, for district police DSPs and other police units, the ration allowance has been raised from ₹600 to ₹1,500 per month. Earlier, Class IV employees of HAP and IRB were not entitled to this benefit, but now they too will receive a ration allowance of ₹800 per month. The Haryana Police has also approved a training allowance of 20% of the basic pay for all permanent and temporary instructors appointed at all police training centers.
Students of the DAV Police Public School performed a heartfelt song in honour of the Martyr police officers, which was heart touching for all.
*Why Police Commemoration Day is Observed*
Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 every year in remembrance of the 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were ambushed by Chinese troops while patrolling the India-Tibet border in the Ladakh region on October 21, 1959.
*Attendees:*
Among those present at the event were ADGP Crime Mamta Singh, ADGP Amitabh Dhillon, ADGP Law & Order Sanjay Kumar, IG & Police Commissioner Panchkula Sibash Kabiraj, IG Hardeep Doon and Rakesh Arya and several other senior officers.
EOM