Fifth Police Commission recommends pay hike for constables

Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission recommends pay hike, mental health support, and prevention module for police constables.

The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission has recommended a pay hike for police constables on a par with their counterparts in the Union Government and other States. The Grade-II police constables are presently drawing salary in the pay scale of ₹18,200-52,900.

In its report submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently, the commission said it was of the firm opinion that the police constable of the State should be treated at least on a par with others of his/her class in the Union Government and most other States. It recommended that the pay scale of police constables may be fixed at ₹21,700-69,100. The allowances may be varied from time to time in keeping with the cost of living index.

The commission recommended that the minimum educational qualification for a police constable be increased from ‘a pass in the 10th standard’ to ‘a pass in +2’ or its equivalent. Candidates seeking recruitment under 20% ‘Persons Studied in Tamil Medium’ preference should have studied in Tamil Medium from 1st Standard to 12th Standard.

Stress in the force

Elaborating on police mental health and well-being, the commission said there was an urgent need to address and alleviate the stress experienced by police personnel. Promotion of mental health should be taken up on priority.

Death by suicide was high among police constables and head constables and they could be identified as high-risk groups experiencing mental health issues, needing counselling services and consultation by mental health experts.

The mental health status of the police should be reviewed periodically and a file maintained on this aspect by the Superintendent of Police and shared with other concerned officers for further action, if needed.