Rajasthan: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh denied guard of honor by policemen in Jodhpur
Protest continues against a so-called government order that would reduce pay scales of policemen.
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Representative image. Image credit: Post Staff
Jaipur: Over 250 policemen went on a day’s mass leave on Monday including the ones who were supposed to give a guard of honor to Union home minister Rajnath Singh in Jodhpur. They refused to do so due to rumors that a government order would reduce their pay scales. Followed a WhatsApp message which went viral, the state constabulary has been protesting against rumors that their pay scale grades would be reduced from the existing Rs 24,000 to the proposed Rs 19,000 per month.
They refused to do so amid reports that a government order would reduce their pay scales. Following a WhatsApp message which went viral, the state constabulary has been protesting against rumors that their pay scale grades would be reduced from the existing Rs 24,000 to the proposed Rs 19,000 per month.
A senior police officer said that more than 250 policemen went on a leave which was not sanctioned. The protesting policemen had to be replaced with other policemen. Offiicals stated that this was a serious issue and action will be taking following an investigation.
Policemen across the state protested in different ways. Some shaved their heads while others tied a black ribbon to their arms while being on duty. ADG ML Lather, who had visited the Jaipur Commissionerate was also denied a guard of honor by the policemen. The ones who did so had the force after the year 2004. The force officials then asked others to perform the guard of honor. Lather has stated that action will be taken against the ones who denied performing their duties.
After this embarrassing episode for the state government, Rajasthan’s Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has clarified that the ruling party has passed no such orders to slash pay scales of policemen. Matters regarding the pay scales are with the Cabinet Committee and no such decision has been taken. DJP Ajit Singh has also urged the policemen to act with responsibility and not commit such mistakes which show the police force in a bad light.
