Karnataka to add 19,000 more people to police force

Karnataka will go in for massive recruitment from this year to fill around 19,000 vacancies in its police force in the next three years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Thursday.

"This year around 8,000 people will be recruited and the remaining in the next two years," he said addressing police personnel here after presenting the chief minister's medals to over 120 personnel for meritorious service.

Siddaramaiah said the government was also thinking of providing in each of the state's 30 districts, a canteen service facility, now provided to defence forces, where groceries and household appliance would be sold at a price less than the market rates. The state has 30 districts.

The government has already sanctioned opening of a canteen stores for police personnel in Bangalore. It is expected to start operating soon.

The chief minister also promised to build more flats in the next two to three years to provide government accommodation for at least 80 percent of the police force as against 40 percent at present.

He urged police personnel to be courteous to people approaching them for help or to file complaint and work sincerely to maintain law and order and curb illegal activities.

Home Minister K.J. George and senior home ministry and police officers were present at the function.