Himachal CM's Honorary Promotion Initiative Brings Recognition to Ex-Servicemen in Himachal Police
Shimla, June 2: Ex-servicemen serving in the Himachal Pradesh Police expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after the state government approved honorary placements for hundreds of former armed forces personnel in the police department. The decision has enabled 246 ex-servicemen to be placed as Head Constables and 115 as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), recognizing their dedicated service to both the nation and the state.
The ex-servicemen conveyed their appreciation during a function held at Oak Over, Shimla. On the occasion, the Chief Minister participated in the piping ceremony of Head Constable Sudhir Sharma and Constable Ravi Dutt, symbolizing the implementation of the government's decision.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government highly values the experience, discipline, and commitment that ex-servicemen bring to the police force. He noted that under the existing provisions, police personnel are required to complete 20 years of service to be considered for placement as Honorary Head Constable and 32 years of service for placement as Honorary Assistant Sub-Inspector.
However, ex-servicemen generally join the police department after serving in the armed forces and therefore have limited years of service remaining, making it difficult for them to qualify for these honorary placements. Keeping this challenge in mind, the state government decided to provide relaxation in the eligibility service period, allowing ex-servicemen to receive due recognition through honorary promotions.
The Chief Minister said the decision acknowledges the invaluable contribution of ex-servicemen, who first serve the nation by safeguarding its borders and later continue serving society by maintaining law and order in the police force. Granting them placement one rank higher, he said, enhances their dignity and honors their commitment to public service.
Sukhu also spoke about employment opportunities for former military personnel and Agniveers. He said that since the introduction of the Agniveer recruitment scheme, the state government has been working to create maximum employment opportunities for Agniveers and ensure their skills and experience are effectively utilized.
Highlighting reforms in the police department, the Chief Minister said that legal protection under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which was previously available only to senior police officers, has now been extended to police personnel working in difficult and challenging conditions. He added that the government is taking continuous steps to modernize and strengthen the police force while rationalizing the number of senior officers and reducing IAS, IPS, and IFS cadre positions where necessary.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government has launched an intensive campaign against the drug menace, particularly the trafficking of 'Chitta' (heroin). He praised the police department for playing a key role in the anti-drug drive and emphasized that strict action is being taken against drug traffickers as well as government employees found involved in drug-related activities.
Among those present at the event were Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, and other senior police officers.