Police welfare schemes

Interacting with the families of martyred police personnel in Srinagar, Director General of Police Rajendra mentioned some of the welfare schemes the department had initiated to support the destitute families of policemen. It is true that policemen are exposed to the bullets of the insurgents anywhere and any time. The organization has made tremendous sacrifices and its role in combating terrorism in all its forms in the State has been excellent. But whatever quantum of relief the Police Chief has announced for them will be inadequate. Education of children, employment for the deserving youth, medical and health care of the wards of deceased soldiers, rehabilitation in their homes and running their normal social life are some of the primary requirements. It is a big relief to know from the statement of the police chief that financial assistance is being extended to the needy families. Giving details about the different welfare, Mr. Rajendra said that quality education for police wards has remained on top of priority list and police public schools have been established at all range levels besides twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar. Since the schools at other districts are in their early stage, but in two capital cities have performed excellent during the recent years and the students have secured distinctions in different examinations. Elaborating the assistance provided under various welfare schemes during the year, the DGP said that more than Rs. 6.5 crore has been distributed as special welfare relief among the families of deceased personnel. Besides Rs. 68 lakh have been sanctioned as ex-gratia relief for the families of martyrs. More than Rs. 30 lakh were sanctioned in favour of 731 wards of serving personnel and martyrs during the current year so far, he said.

The Government has done and is doing whatever is desired to be done about the rehabilitation of the affected police families. But the civil society also needs to play its role. Civil society can provide strong socio-cultural base for the under privileged segment of society especially the police force. Educational institutions to which the wards of martyred police wards seek admission should consider remitting the tuition fee. Also there should be constitutional provision to provide admission to the wards on the martyred policemen in professional institutions of priority basis. Much has been done and much remains to be done in this area.