IRB jawans await absorption in police despite govt notification

Despite Cabinet approval and a gazette notification issued nearly 15 months ago, India Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawans in Haryana are still waiting for permanent absorption into the district police general cadre.

The state Cabinet had cleared the proposal on May 15, 2024, followed by a notification on July 29, 2024, under Article 309 of the Constitution and Section 92(1) of the Haryana Police Act, 2007. The rules, titled Haryana Police (Permanent Absorption of India Reserve Battalion’s Police Personnel in District Police – General Cadre – Rules, 2024), clearly outline eligibility, seniority norms, training modules and procedures for induction of head constables, C-1 constables and exemptee constables from the IRB into the district police.

As per the notification, IRB personnel with 15 years of satisfactory service and completion of phase-I and II training are eligible for absorption. The DGP is required to notify vacancies by January 31 each year, with applications invited by February 28. After scrutiny and approval, selected personnel must undergo induction and practical training before being placed in the general cadre with pay, allowances and pension at par with district police staff.

However, the process is yet to begin. “The rules have been notified, but nothing has been implemented on the ground. We are still in limbo,” said an IRB jawan. Another added, “We have raised the issue at different platforms, but so far, nothing has been done.”

Jawans say the delay is hurting their career progression, with the demand for absorption pending since 2017. The IRB was first established in Haryana in 2001, and now has four battalions — two at Bhondsi (Gurugram), one at Sunaria (Rohtak) and one at Manesar (Gurugram).

Police officials admitted the delay, attributing it to pending recruitments. “This policy can be implemented only when new constables for IRB are recruited, as we cannot vacate IRB without replacements. Recruitment is under process,” said Sanjay Kumar, ADGP, Law and Order.