Cheers! It’s celebration time for UT policemen

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 26

Policemen who used to miss their birthday and wedding anniversary celebrations due to their hectic job schedule have something to cheer as the Chandigarh Police have decided that the policemen will be allowed a rest day on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Elated after learning about the decision, a head constable, who hasen’t got a chance to celebrate his birthday with his family at his native place in Haryana for over a decade, said, “I feel that allowing policemen to celebrate such occasions with his family will motivate them.”

A sub-inspector, not wishing to be named, said the decision had brought a smile on the face of his wife, who always used to complain that they could not celebrate their wedding anniversary together. “I used to remain on duty on my wedding anniversary. However, this time, I will go out for a lunch or dinner with my wife,” he said.

Police officials said their duties were stressful. Their problems were further compounded by long working hours, working on weekends and holidays, inadequate housing and frequent changes in the duty timings. As a result, most police personnel missed out on “milestone events in their personal lives”.

To obviate some stress, UT IGP RP Upadhyay has decided that all personnel of the Chandigarh Police will have an opportunity to be with their family and loved ones on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

According to the police, bachelors and widowed or divorced police personnel may choose any alternative personal event for availing of rest in lieu of wedding anniversary. The controlling authorities will ensure that police personnel are given “duty rest” on the days chosen by the staff under their command and control.