Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040317150600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Assurances galore to police in manifestos

K.T. Sangameswaran

PMK for setting up State Security Commission

CHENNAI : Major parties have come out with various promises in their manifestos with regard to the police department and its functioning.

One of them has promised to create a State Security Commission (SSC) to enhance the image of the police. (The SSC was one of the recommendations of the National Police Commission.) According preference to modernising the force on a continued basis and setting up of a Third Police Commission are among the other promises.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has prefaced its promises by taking credit for eliminating brigand Veerappan. It recalls how he created havoc by killing 124 persons and plundering Rs.3,000 crore worth of forest wealth.

The manifesto also lists the setting up of sub-jails exclusively for women, the women commando force, a women police battalion and the creation of highway patrols.

Modernisation

Explaining the need to fully equip the police to meet future challenges, the party promises to continue with the modernisation efforts.

Schemes to provide adequate infrastructure for the department and ensure the welfare of personnel will be further streamlined. The video-conferencing facility, provided at 78 prisons, will be expanded.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam manifesto does not deal much on the "police" other than stating that during the previous DMK rule, the Police Commission was set up twice to make recommendations to the government. If elected to power, the party would appoint a Third Police Commission.

The assurance to set up the SSC has come from the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Under `Kaavalthurai Maempaadu' (development of police), the party says to improve the image of the force, it will be transformed into one with autonomous powers. There will be no political interference and the organisation will respect law and society.

Another endeavour will be to change the attitude of the force through training. Considering the population increase, urbanisation and rising incidence of crime, the strength of the force will be increased.

A single-promotion at all levels every eight years and increase in washing allowance, risk allowance and night duty allowance have also been promised.