Editor
Guwahati: The
Assam Police has launched an ambitious initiative to improve the overall
fitness and effectiveness of its personnel, including IPS officers. As part of
this effort, the police force will be recording the Body Mass Index (BMI) of
all its officers, aiming to address issues of obesity within their ranks. This
drive, led by Director General of Police GP Singh, marks a significant step
towards creating a more responsive and action-oriented police force in Assam.
In line with directions of the Hon @CMOfficeAssam , @assampolice Hq has decided to go in for professional recording of Body Mass Index (BMI) of all Assam Police personnel including IPS/APS officers and all DEF/Bn/Organisations.
— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) May 16, 2023
We plan to give three months time to all Assam…
The Fitness
Challenge:
Under this new initiative, Assam Police personnel will have
a three-month period, until August 15th, to focus on improving their fitness
levels. Following this period, BMI assessments will be conducted within the
next fifteen days. Director General of Police GP Singh has shown his commitment
to the cause by announcing that he will be the first to have his BMI measured
on August 16th. This ambitious endeavor aims to prioritize the physical
well-being of all officers and bring about a positive transformation within the
police force.
Addressing Obesity
and Promoting Health:
As part of the initiative, the Assam Police will
specifically tackle the issue of obesity among its personnel. Officers falling
into the obese category, with a BMI of 30 or above, will be given an additional
three months to work on reducing their weight. After this extended duration,
officers who fail to meet the required fitness standards will be given the
option of Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). It's important to note that
officers with genuine medical conditions such as hypothyroidism will be exempt
from these requirements.
A Systematic
Approach:
To ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment, the Assam
Police has already compiled a list of over 650 personnel who are reportedly
habitual drinkers or obese. To avoid any arbitrary decisions, committees have
been formed in battalions and districts, each headed by a deputy commandant or
an additional SP-rank officer. These committees will conduct thorough reviews
to determine the fitness and suitability of each officer.
Eliminating
Inefficiency:
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has
strongly advocated for removing inefficiencies within the police force. This
includes targeting habitual drinkers, individuals with extreme obesity, and
those facing corruption charges for retirement through the VRS option. By
implementing this provision, the state government aims to create a more
responsive and efficient police force capable of delivering effective law
enforcement and maintaining public trust.
Benefits and Future
Plans:
Officers who opt for VRS will continue to receive their full
salary, ensuring a smooth transition for those choosing to retire.
Additionally, new recruitments will be made to fill the vacancies created by
this voluntary retirement process. By prioritizing the fitness and well-being
of its personnel, the Assam Police is taking significant strides towards
achieving its goals of enhanced performance, professionalism, and public
service.
Conclusion:
The Assam Police's decision to record the BMI of its
personnel and address issues of obesity within the force demonstrates their
commitment to building a fitter and more efficient police force. This
initiative encourages officers to prioritize their health and well-being, not
only enhancing their individual lives but also contributing to the overall
effectiveness and credibility of the police force. With the support of the
state government and the dedication of its officers, the Assam Police is paving
the way for a healthier and more capable law enforcement agency, dedicated to
serving and protecting the people of Assam.