Looking beyond the claims of a safe and secure state, the number of police personnel in Gujarat does not live up to the advisory issued by the Central government. 

Though the state has recruited police personnel in 2016-17, 2018–19 and in 2021-22, the strength of the police force is yet to achieve the required numbers.  

Earlier this year, a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Chandrani Murmu questioned the Ministry of Home Affairs on this. In response, the ministry provided information from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) about the police strength in Gujarat.

Data shows that as of Jan 1, 2022,  Gujarat was sanctioned 174.39 police personnel per lakh of population, but had only 127.82. Despite this, the state government has not advertised for the recruitment of police personnel, both armed and unarmed. 

Considering the population data from 2011, Gujarat should ideally have 1,04,400 police personnel, however, it currently only has 73.08% (76,200) of the needed personnel.

Replying to the answer, Nityanand Rai, union minister of State for Home Affairs stated in the parliament that recruitment of police personnel is a state subject, however, the Centre has issued advisories to the state in a timely manner, so as to bring reforms in the police administration. He cited the shortage factors of policemen as retirement, resignation, death, and removal from service. 

In Gujarat, the total official population is 6.03 crore as per the official census of the state. The approved police strength per one lakh people is 174.39, while the current actual strength is 127.82.

Based on census data and parliament answers, the department should have 1,04,400 police officers.

No recruitment advertisement for two years

The State Government had recruited police personnel in 2021-22, with official advertisement in Dec 2021 for 10,449 posts. 

After that, there was no advertisement for recruitment, and the new recruitment is slated for 2024. Before that, recruitment of 12,000 in 2018-19 was accomplished. 

Protection of VIPs in the state

Apart from common people, the police personnels are deployed for the security of authorities such as MLAs to chief ministers. Former ministers, IAS, and other leaders also have police protection with them. While there are no official numbers released for the police personnel deployed in such protection, the number of police for the common people remains less than sufficient.

Earlier situation

This lack of personnel in the force, however, is not a new phenomenon. Earlier, too, the strength of police in concern to the population has been short of what is required.

2020: Gujarat Total Police per lakh of population sanctioned 162.72, Actual 122.78

2018: Gujarat Total Police per lakh of population sanctioned 168.9, Actual 120.2  total sanctioned  84,476

(Source: Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D)

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