The newly created posts of Special Commissioner of Police have become a bone of contention within the Delhi Police. There are 10 sanctioned posts of Special Commissioner of Police in the Delhi Police but there are 18 officers who are eligible for the posts at present.
To induct new Special Commissioners of Police, sources said, three new posts of Senior Special Commissioners (coordinator) were created. This means that there still are five Special CPs more than the sanctioned number of posts. Similarly, the posts of
Joint Commissioners of Police are 20 while there are 22 currently serving.
Due to the increase in number of senior IPS officers, the Police Headquarters is also witnessing the space crunch to provide them offices in the building. The enormity of the space crunch could be judged from the fact that the Joint Commissioners of Police (Ranges) are asked to sit in their respective ranges. Delhi has a total of six ranges and 11 districts, headed by Joint Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police, respectively.
Besides, creation of new Special CP posts is also proving to be quite expensive as the sheer paraphernalia required to maintain their offices is draining the exchequer. There is other side of the story too as the sanctioned strength of the Constabulary needs to be filled up as there is a shortfall.
On the other hand, the present strength of constables is 44,120 against the sanctioned strength of 46,707. The head constables are 18,898 against the sanctioned strength
of 20,817.
A section in the force believes that increase in number of senior IPS officers puts a major financial burden on the exchequer. The force, which requires more number of personnel to work on the field and control law and order, is serving in the hospitality of such officers at their offices as well as their homes. Sources said that at least 10-15 constables and head constables are posted to work for the senior IPS officers. The monthly salary of a Special CP is over `2 lakh -- including house rent. However, a constable gets `25,000
per month.
With the allocation of money to the force by the Finance Ministry being fixed, higher number of senior IPS officers is affecting the recruitment of constables, claimed a section in the force.
It also alleged that the creation of three posts of senior special CPs is unconstitutional as the Home Ministry was not consulted while creating the senior posts. Many officials are also not happy with the creation of the new posts as they believe that it will increase file work.
In coming months, four more joint commissioners are going to be promoted to special commissioners. It would be interesting to see how and where they will get posted in the force.