Mandatory weekly leave for Kerala police to prevent suicides; move follows ‘Kerala Kaumudi’ series

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala police personnel will now get an opportunity to spend more time with their families and reduce work-related stress. The decision comes amid repeated cases of police personnel dying by suicide, reportedly linked to severe mental stress. Police personnel will be given one mandatory day off every week, along with leave to spend time with their families on important occasions at home. The benefit will be available to everyone, including Station House Officers (SHOs). ADGP P. Vijayan, who is in charge of law and order, told Kerala Kaumudi that the move aims to reduce work pressure and stress and help police personnel interact with the public in a more friendly and courteous manner.

Police personnel often find it difficult to care for a pregnant wife, look after elderly parents or spend time with their families on wedding anniversaries and other important occasions. These issues were highlighted in the ‘Swayam Odungi Police’ series published by Kerala Kaumudi. The series reported that 130 police personnel had died by suicide in eight years due to stress. Following the series, the research wing of the Police Academy and the Social Police Division were assigned to study the issue. The study found that lack of rest and mental stress were among the major factors behind most of the suicides.

Police personnel are officially required to work eight-hour shifts. However, there are police stations where personnel work for 12 to 18 hours. Only 52 police stations currently have an eight-hour duty system, and even there, it is often not followed. Mental stress is also caused by harassment and humiliation by senior officers and harsh punishment for minor offences. According to the report, such pressures can push personnel towards suicide. However, official records often cite family, financial or health problems as the reasons for suicide.

Police personnel have also been given training in yoga, meditation and martial arts, but this did not lead to a reduction in suicides. It was in this situation that ADGP P. Vijayan proposed mandatory leave.

Influential get lighter duties

There have also been instances of police personnel struggling under excessive workloads. In Wayanad, a woman SHO once left the police station while on duty due to excessive work pressure. In Ernakulam, a Circle Inspector who left the state after being reprimanded by an Assistant Commissioner was later found in Coimbatore. There have also been instances of police personnel collapsing after working continuously. While people with political influence manage to get lighter duties, others are left with heavier workloads, the report said.

“The aim is to improve welfare, morale and well-being and reduce work stress. Spending time with family can reduce mental stress. Ultimately, society will benefit from this.”

- P. Vijayan, ADGP