Politicians in the State go around with Z plus security even in the State capital but jawans in the Maoist heartland of Bastar are left to die at the hands of the Naxals without proper safety, said Rakesh Yadav, a former police constable and activist seeking police reforms, at a press conference.
Yadav was dismissed from duty for raising his voice against colonial laws that are implemented in the police department. He said that a jawan carries 15 kg more than his body weight because our state government does not bother to provide latest bullet-proof jackets that only weigh 2.5 kg.
Yadav also mentioned Amir Khan's popular show on social issues Satyamev Jayate where the actor put forth the problems related to the police departments in the states of India. The condition of the police constables and security personnel in the state is abominable. There has not been any improvement in the past ten years and most number of killings of policemen happen in Chhattisgarh, Yadav said quoting a recent media report.
He demanded equal rights for policemen and security personnel in the state under the Constitution of India like other citizens. He released a 12-point demand list seeking permission for creation of a police employees' union, amendments in salary structure and introduction of three shifts for work.
At present, there are no weekly offs for policemen as they are required to report to duty at any time and all days of the year. Yadav demanded that one day off on rotational basis must be granted to the policemen. Basic facilities like housing, education to staff's children and health benefits must be provided to the policemen.
Yadav demanded that arrangements of bullet-proof jackets must be made immediately for security personnel serving in Maoist-hit areas and those who died on duty and in Naxal ambush must be granted 'martyr' status. He demanded that technologically advanced machines and system are put in place in the police stations and a dry canteen must be established in the police department.
Yadav demanded that all the assistant constables who are working on ad hoc basis should be regularised and their monthly income is raised from the present Rs 8,000 per month to a respectable level. Compensation of 'Nagar Sainiks' must be increased and a police reform be brought in State.