1,061 cops await govt houses in Gandhinagar, illegal occupation under scanner

Police personnel in Gujarat’s capital city Gandhinagar are facing serious difficulties over housing arrangements. Even as 1,061 cops are currently awaiting official accommodation in the Gandhinagar police lines, several flats have been reportedly occupied illegally by retired or transferred employees.

Government rules specify that any police employee who is transferred or retires must vacate government accommodation within three months. However, several families allegedly continue to stay unlawfully in police housing quarters across sectors in Gandhinagar. In some cases, the personnel who own private flats are also accused of occupying government quarters.

The situation has led to resentment among constables and sub-inspectors serving in Gandhinagar. Though eligible for official accommodation, the personnel are forced to stay in private rented houses at high costs.

Officials say the situation has worsened over the past few years because proper verification of police housing allotments have not been carried out regularly by the police headquarters.

Data from the Gandhinagar Police Housing Department suggests that 1,061 police personnel are currently awaiting accommodation allotment. The shortage has reached serious proportions, creating difficulties for newly recruited personnel transferred to Gandhinagar.

The issue has also raised questions within the police department over why strict action has not been taken against those allegedly occupying government quarters illegally despite clear rules. Concerns are being raised about whether the department has failed to enforce its own housing regulations.

Attention is now focused on whether the state police leadership will launch a strict verification and eviction drive to free up quarters and provide housing to the 1,061 personnel currently on the waiting list.