Why IRB jawans are stuck in limbo despite merger nod

Hundreds of jawans of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) of the Haryana Police have been waiting for their permanent absorption into the district police general cadre for the past over 15 months. It is even when the Haryana Cabinet had given its nod and a gazette notification was issued by the government. The merger, which is a longstanding demand of the IRB personnel, is aimed at providing them better career progression, parity in service conditions and opportunities in the district police. However, administrative delays have left the jawans, who are fulfilling the criteria, in a limbo.

What is the India Reserve Battalion (IRB)?

The IRB was established in Haryana in 2001 by the Centre to act as a reserve force that could be deployed during emergencies, law-and-order situations, and security operations. At present, there are four IRB battalions in the state – two in Bhondsi (Gurugram), one in Sunaria (Rohtak), and one in Manesar (Gurugram).

Why was there a demand for its absorption into the district police?

IRB jawans argued that their long service, tough postings and high-pressure situations, did not translate into growth opportunities within the force. Despite being a reserve force, the jawans say, they cannot give proper time to their families. They worked under tougher working conditions compared to the district police. Absorption into the general cadre was seen as a way to bring equality and recognition to their service.

When was the decision for the absorption taken?

The Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved the merger on May 15, 2024. Subsequently, the state government notified the Haryana Police (Permanent Absorption of India Reserve Battalion’s Police Personnel in District Police – General Cadre – Rules, 2024) on July 29, 2024, under Article 309 of the Constitution and Section 92(1) of the Haryana Police Act, 2007. The rules clearly lays down eligibility conditions, seniority norms, training modules and procedures for the absorption of head constables, C-1 constables and exemptee head constables/constables from the IRB into the district police.

What are the eligibility conditions?

As per the Haryana Police (Permanent Absorption of IRB Police Personnel in District Police – General Cadre – Rules, 2024), IRB personnel in the ranks of head constables, C-1 constables, and exemptee head constables/constables are eligible. They must have completed 15 years of satisfactory service, including phase-I and phase-II training.

What is the procedure for absorption?

The Director-General of Police (DGP), Haryana, is required to notify vacancies by January 31 every year, while the IRB headquarters is to invite applications by February 28 every year, followed by scrutiny and approval. Selected personnel are then to undergo induction and practical training before being placed in the general cadre with pay, allowances, pension, and service conditions at par with the district police staff. The absorption of these jawans into the general cadre will help in providing more investigating officers to the Haryana Police, which is facing shortage of staff.

Why is the process delayed despite rules being notified?

Officials admit that the policy cannot be implemented immediately because IRB battalions cannot be left understaffed. The recruitment of new constables is underway, and only after replacements are available can the existing IRB personnel be absorbed into the district police.

How long have IRB jawans been raising the issue of absorption?

The jawans have been waiting since 2017 for this demand to materialise. Many say the delay is hurting their morale and career growth, highlighting the rules notified, but nothing has been implemented on the ground.

What absorption procedure will apply to ex-servicemen?

Recently, a group of ex-servicemen who joined the IRB after retiring from the Indian Army sought to consider their 15 years of Army service toward eligibility for absorption. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed their plea, ruling that only 15 years of the IRB service qualified under the rules, and the Army service could not be considered for this purpose.