Thoughts that crossed my mind while going through the news item
"2000 policemen to be recruited"

Sorojit Khulem *

Manipur Police Raising Day Parade at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade ground on 19th October 2011
Pix : Bullu Raj

1. It is good that 2000 youths of Manipur will get Govt job (Regular Post)

2. A huge amount of cash will change hands (Approx Rs 100 crores).
(a) Money Lenders -> Potential Candidates either by loan or mortgage or sale deed etc
(b) Candidates/Parents -> People who has a hand/influence in the recruitment process, either directly or through middleman. This money could be Black Money or hard earned money of the parents also. 3. Some of the candidates are going to be MAD when they are not selected and the recovery of their investment is in danger.

4. Does the Manipur Govt really need to recruit these 2000 policemen when it is facing financial problem specially so when Manipur has the highest Police :: Population Ratio in the World except for Vatican City [Manipur-1506.38 policemen per one lakh population, Vatican City- 15625 (Police - 130 and Population - 832)]. United Nation's recommendation is 222 policemen per one lakh population. (Calculation for Manipur: Population- 27, 21,756, Police – 41000 (Police 28000, HG 2500, VDF 10500) Ratio = 41,000÷27, 21,756x1, 00,000 = 1506.38)

5. Despite the present financial problem in Manipur, decision has been taken to employ 2000 youths in Govt job. Un-employment has been a major cause of increasing numbers of criminals/anti-social elements/youths joining Underground Groups. It's good that the Un-employment figure will be reduced by 2000. Our hill areas presently are in dire need of better health care and education facilities. Will it not be more judicious to employ paramedics and teachers which aim at development in the society rather than increasing policemen which aim at more control on the population?

6. Will the recruitment of 2000 policemen affect the already irregular payment of salary to the other Manipur Govt employees?

7. Will the 2000 recruits be trained and motivated properly for the Tasks they would be expected to perform by the time of their "PASSING OUT" Parade?

8. What will be the Ratio of distribution of these 2000 young policemen to Civil Police and Armed Police (Police Commandos and MR)? The general impression is that every new entrant in Manipur Police wants to become a Commando.

9. We have Cease Fire in Naga Areas (Practically if not in theory) and SoO in the Kuki Areas. In the valley it is only a small police team which forms part of the 'Combined Team' in any operation against the insurgents. By increasing Police strength in Hill Areas, will they be able to function effectively?

10. After the KASAM PARADE, the first self assigned task of the young policeman would be to plan/work out methodology for recovery of the investment they had to make for the police job. The salary is for performing duties. Their investment is still earning negative income. Urgency of recovery depends on how the investment was financed. One would have either experienced or read about the methods used in their recovery. The practice will continue since the purpose of any investment is to make more money. With more money power, one becomes bolder.

11. The young Policemen will have to necessarily go through practical training/on the job training under the supervision of junior/middle level leaders to become a fully trained Policeman. What they really learn in this crucial stage of career will depend on many factors/environment.

12. For a Policeman, Public is the training area / the experiment area / operating field / The Target / The Purpose.

13. Can't there be a brighter way of looking at this increase in police strength?
Yes, there are positive aspects – the additional strength will definitely boost the capability and performance of the Police Force and the Public can look towards better Law & Order situation in the State. Provided:-
(a) Sincere, honest, dutiful and morally upright policemen are added through clean recruitment/selection process, selecting only the right candidates both physically and mentally suitable for the Force without any scope of corruption.
(b) Trained and disciplined through best training program by the best Instructors.
(c) Guided properly by experienced, honest and motivated leaders in their formative stage of their career.
(d) Their posting and employment relates to Police Duty. They should never be assigned duty which can demean them of being a policeman.