CM Suvendu announces recruitment of 20,000 constables, police anti-bribery helpline

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced major police reforms in the Assembly during his reply speech on the police budget, including the recruitment of 20,000 constables to address severe personnel shortages. He stated that out of 1,21,344 total sanctioned posts in the state police force, 43,073 posts remain vacant, with 16,000 constables set to be deployed on the streets before Durga Puja. The initiative aims to modernize the police department and systematically fill long-pending vacancies across stations.

Slamming the previous administration, Adhikari alleged that the Home Department was neglected for 13 years and criticized the widespread appointment of civic volunteers without proper qualifications or training. He claimed that civic volunteers were hired based on political loyalty or monetary exchange rather than merit and used primarily for political purposes. He further highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure in police stations outside Kolkata, pointing to absent barracks, kitchens, and structured transfer policies.

Reiterating a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a dedicated control room and helpline to report instances of police bribery. He assured that swift action will be taken against any officer facing verified bribery allegations immediately upon receiving a phone call. The move forms part of a broader strategy to overhaul police infrastructure while enforcing strict anti-corruption standards across the force.