Police personnel in the Ganjam and Berhampur police districts in Odisha will have to avail five compulsory days off every year to ease their professional stress and strain.
They are now required to take leave on the days of their wedding anniversary, and the birthdays of their self, spouse and two children. This compulsory leave with pay is meant to enable police personnel to spend quality time with their family.
Such an initiative has been taken up in Odisha for the first time by Ashis Singh, the Superintendent of Police (SP) who is in charge of both these police districts. A circular to this effect has has been already issued in the Berhampur police district. A similar circular will be issued for the Ganjam police district on August 15, Mr. Singh said.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Singh said that this was a small measure to acknowledge the toil of police personnel even on holidays and festivals, when all other citizens enjoy life with their families. Usually, police personnel face complaints and critical remarks from their children and wives instead. “I felt police personnel and their family, who sacrifice their own enjoyment for safety and security of society, should also get chance to enjoy some time together,” said Mr. Singh.
The administration of both these police districts is also thinking of providing gifts and messages of goodwill on these special days. A data base of marriage anniversaries and birthdays of police personnel and their family members is being prepared in both districts.