A recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has brought to light a concerning imbalance in the Delhi Police's manpower structure, revealing a disproportionately high number of commanders compared to constables. This observation raises questions about the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the police force in maintaining law and order in the National Capital Territory.
The PAC's scrutiny of the "Manpower and Logistics Management in Delhi Police," as detailed in the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) Report No. 15 of 2020, has underscored the need for efficient manpower management within the police force. The availability of adequate personnel and their appropriate deployment are crucial for the effective functioning of the police, maintenance of law and order, and keeping crime under control.
As of April 1, 2019, the sanctioned strength of the Delhi Police was 89,670, but the actual strength was 79,621, showing an 88.8 percent utilization rate. Despite this, the Delhi Police had requested more than 50,000 additional positions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), citing the creation of new police units. However, the PAC report suggests that the issue may not be solely about the total number of personnel, but also about the distribution of officers across different ranks. The audit report says that between 2013 and 2019, the number of heinous crimes registered in Delhi rose from 4,159 to 5,185.
One of the key issues highlighted in the report is the shortage of constables, who form the backbone of the police force at the ground level. The audit observed that instead of recruiting constables regularly, Delhi Police conducted only one major recruitment for 7,307 constable posts through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in 2016 and special drives for constables from north-eastern states in 2015 and 2019. As a result, the shortage in the lower subordinates' cadre of Delhi Police continuously increased during 2013-2018.
The PAC report also touches upon the issue of infrastructure and facilities available to the Delhi Police. For about 80,000 police personnel, there are only 15,360 quarters available in Delhi. Moreover, only one out of 72 police stations had staff deployed as per the norms prescribed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), with an overall shortage of 35 percent in manpower in these stations. The audit also found shortages in vehicles, with a 75 percent, 78 percent and 53 percent shortage in 4 wheelers, special 4 wheelers and 2 wheelers respectively.
The observations made by the PAC have significant implications for the functioning of the Delhi Police. A disproportionate number of commanders compared to constables could lead to several challenges:
To address these issues, the PAC has recommended a comprehensive review of the Delhi Police's manpower structure, with a focus on рационализация the distribution of personnel across different ranks. This review should take into account the specific needs and challenges of policing in Delhi, as well as the need to maintain a well-balanced and efficient police force. The committee has also emphasized the importance of regular recruitment of constables to address the shortage in the lower ranks and ensure adequate manpower at the ground level.
Furthermore, the PAC has called for improved infrastructure and facilities for the Delhi Police, including adequate housing, транспортные средства, and modern communication equipment. Addressing these logistical challenges is essential for creating a conducive working environment and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the police force.
