AMRITSAR: An ambitious plan to raise the Punjab police strength by at least 30 percent during the current financial year and provide better infrastructural facilities for policemen is on the anvil.

The Director General of Police, KPS. Gill told newsmen here today that the police had got a special Rs 80 crore grant for revamping and strengthening the force, particularly in Ferozepur, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts.

Housing was the biggest problem, faced by the police. Built accommodation had been provided to the BSF and CRPF to end the shortage. A housing project had been conceived and Rs 50 crore earmarked for it.

Housing Corporation

A police housing corporation was being set up to execute the construction. It would be headed by the DGP himself. An officer of the rank of Inspector General would act as Managing Director of the corporation. The incumbent is likely to be Gurbachan Jagat. Even police station buildings would be constructed by the corporation.

The present police strength was around 38,000. There was still an acute shortage of officers and men. It was with this purpose that a major recruitment drive was to be launched shortly. The immediate need was for more SPs, DSPs and Inspectors. A number of officers in the CRPF and the BSF were keen on joining the Punjab police on deputation, Gill said. Nearly 20 such officers were already on deputation mostly as SP (Operation).

Police Promotions

Five DG who have been promoted to the rankof 1.G are Sarbhjit Singh D.L.G. Border Range, M.S. Bhullar, D.1.G. Patiala range, Gurbachan Singh Jagat D1.G. Chandigarh, RL. Wadhwa and Jarnail Singh Chahal.

S.S.P ‘s who have promoted to DIG. police are Sugjit Singh Bains, R.S. Gill, Izahal Alam, GS. Auijla, and S.S. Nahar.

  1. Mangat is being promoted to Additional Director General police and R.L. Wadhawa Internal Intelligence. M.S. Bhullar will be entrusted some key post in counteracting freedom fighters.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 19, 1989