During his first Video Conference with 687 frontline field officers/personnel, which included 117 DSPs, 382 SHOs, and ADGPs, IGs, SSPs, SPs on Wednesday, DGP Dinkar Gupta disclosed that the conditional offer of appointment of ACP Kohli’s son, Paras, had already been signed by him and he would be appointed as a Sub-Inspector in the Punjab Police once he completes his graduation.
The Chief Minister had been extremely supportive of the health and welfare of the Police personnel working on the frontlines, said the DGP, adding that Punjab government and Punjab Police remained totally committed to the welfare of its personnel. Capt. Amarinder Singh was the first CM in the country to announce a Health Insurance cover of 50 lakh rupees for Punjab Police personnel.
The DGP said he had also proposed to the state government that full salary be paid as pension, till the date of superannuation of the deceased police officer, to the families of police personnel who lose their lives to COVID-19.
Gupta made it clear that there was no dearth of protective equipment or funds for frontline police personnel.
The Punjab Police had sufficient PPEs, and even glass visors for those fighting the Covid battle from the frontline, he said, adding that over 150 Pulse Oxymeters had also been sent to various districts, which can enable the police personnel can provide early warning of the kinds of breathing problems associated with Covid-19. Special quarantine facilities for police personnel had also been put in place, he added.
The DGP further disclosed that CPs and SSPs had been directed to identify additional SHOs to give the existing ones a rest break, which was necessary considering the long-drawn battle ahead.
Referring to the huge success of the social media campaign - #MainBhiHarjeetSingh, the DGP said besides creating massive goodwill for the police, it had served to send a strong signal that an attack on even one police personnel would be deemed an attack on the entire force, which was united against those trying to disrupt law and order.
He hailed the support to the campaign from across the country, with police force of many states expressing solidarity with the Punjab Police.
Pointing to the curfew relaxations announced by the Chief Minister with effect from tomorrow, the DGP asked the force to be prepared to deal with the additional movement, and keep a close watch for any overcrowding or violation of COVID safety protocols, including use of masks and social distancing.
Gupta also asked the SHOs to coordinate with the local administration to work out the rotation scheme for opening of shops from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning tomorrow.
The DGP suggested making announcements regarding continued restrictions on vehicular movement, and advising elderly people not to venture out, with only one person from a household to be allowed to move around during the relaxation time.
The police should be seen as being firm, yet humane, he stressed, the DGP stressed, calling for use of volunteers to advise and educate people, and to ensure social distancing. No movement should be allowed in the containment zones, he said, adding that borders shall continue to remain sealed, with only permitted government buses to ply inter-state.
Citing inputs from MHA regarding possible reactivation of some terror outfits, who could target right wing leaders, the DGP directed the officers to identify probable targets and ensure their safety.
The entire police force needed to remain on its toes in the coming days, said Gupta, pointing to the ongoing procurement, curfew enforcement and maintenance of law & order as the major tasks which were needed to be implemented effectively.