46,000 Police Positions Unfilled in West Bengal
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Synopsis
As of March 19, approximately 46,000 police posts are unfilled in West Bengal, with 30,000 vacancies for constables. The state police's current strength is about 80,000 personnel, highlighting a significant shortfall ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- 46,000 police positions vacant in West Bengal.
- 30,000 vacancies are for constables.
- Sub-inspector ranks have the highest vacancies.
- Current police strength is 80,000 personnel.
- Over one-third of the police force is unfilled.
Kolkata, March 19 (NationPress) Currently, approximately 46,000 active police positions remain unfilled in West Bengal, as indicated by data from the state police directorate submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) via the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
Out of the total vacancies, about 30,000 are for constables, who are essential to the police force's foundation, while the rest pertain to various other ranks.
Sources within the state police reveal that the most significant vacancies among the other ranks are for sub-inspectors or similar positions, representing the lowest rank in the police hierarchy.
The ECI recently sought information regarding the current police workforce, including existing vacancies, as part of its preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections next year. The state police directorate disclosed that the current strength of the police force is approximately 80,000 personnel, with vacancies accounting for more than one-third of the total sanctioned positions.
The state police directorate has conveyed this information to the Election Commission through the CEO's office in West Bengal, stating that the total strength of the police, including both officers and lower ranks, is about 80,000, while 46,000 posts are vacant.
This implies that over one-third of the police force in the state is currently unoccupied.
However, the vacancy list submitted to the ECI does not include civic volunteers associated with the police, as regulations prohibit their involvement in election-related duties.
Additionally, a ruling from the Calcutta High Court forbids their use in maintaining law and order. The state government has previously faced backlash for deploying civic volunteers beyond their designated roles.
Meanwhile, sources from the CEO's office in West Bengal indicated that the Election Commission will make decisions regarding security arrangements for the elections based on the available strength of the police forces, particularly concerning the ratio of state police to central armed police forces (CAPF).
