Lose weight or lose job, Karnataka policemen told
Police asked to get rid of potbellies or be ready for punishment
Indian social media users have hailed an order by Karnataka authorities asking policemen to lose weight and get rid of potbellies or be ready for punishment.
Tweep @felix_asoha posted: “An Indian police force has told its officers to lose weight or face suspension from service.”
And @ManShunNot tweeted: “About time. #KarnatakaPolice”
The policemen have been informed through a circular to get fit or face punitive action.
@ashutoshmisra70 posted: “A long due and welcome directive. Well done Karnataka Police.”
Facebook user, Indra J. added: “Policemen need to be healthy and fit to do their jobs. They should take physical training like our military personnel, only then can they help in reducing crime across the country. Hope all Indian states will enforce this.”
Many Indian newspapers quoted Karnataka’s Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Bhaskar Rao, as saying: “It sends out a bad impression. People expect police to be fit. In case of a law and order situation, a policeman who can’t handle himself and has a protruding tummy won’t be of any help.”
According to news agency ANI, in the last one-and-a-halfyears there have been 153 deaths ■ among Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel.
Lifestyle-related deaths
While 24 of these were due to road accidents and nine were suicides, the remaining were lifestyle-related deaths. Rao added: “In most cases, fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney issues, heart attacks etc. led to their deaths. All of them were 45 years of age and above. It’s not a good sign.”
Potbellied and overweight personnel will be identified and put on a strict exercise regime and a healthy diet. Their fitness parameters will be regularly monitored.
The menu at the police canteen has also been revamped and now features healthy foods. Cops are being encouraged to cut down on their carbohydrate intake and consume more of ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), bajra (millet) and navane (foxtail millet).
Rao said: “We want a healthy and happy force ... Defaulters will be given harsh and extra duties.”
In a similar exercise, the rural police in Coimbatore identified overweight policeman in March and sent them on a three-week rigorous training programme.