The Karnataka Home department has decided to abolish the orderlies system in the police, an issue regarding which constables threatened to go on mass leave.
Orderlies trained to be constables are allegedly doing menial jobs in the homes of police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and above. Abolition of the system, which has been in existence since the British rule, has been a long-standing demand. There are reportedly over 3000 orderlies in Karnataka who do petty jobs like washing clothes, cutting vegetables, cleaning dishes and gardening.
We have decided to do away with the orderly system and recruit Group D staff as an alternative to constables who might be called `followers’ or ‘dalayats.’G Parameshwara, Home Minister
Parameshwara, however, said that it would be done in a phased manner, according to The Times of India.
In principle, we have decided to withdraw the orderly system but the transition will take time. We plan to put an end to the system beginning from Bengaluru.G Parameshwara
The department will also set up a five-member committee to look into the policemen’s demands for a pay hike.
At present, the basic pay of a constable is on par with a second division assistant though their nature of work cannot be compared. Constables are being paid 50% less allowance than other officials.G Parameshwara