Gujarat police personnel in fix over mandatory exam for PSI-level pay after 30 years of service

The new rules for promotion in Gujarat Police make it mandatory for police personnel to clear the mode-3 examination for pay scale in the police sub-inspector (PSI) grade. The 1,800 constables who are serving as Head Constables or assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) had demanded salaries as per the 10-20-30 year promotion rules. However, the Gujarat Police has now made it mandatory for them to clear the examination if they want the salary of a PSI.

Discontent has been brewing internally within the police force over the Gujarat government’s policies on promotions. According to old resolutions passed by the government, police personnel were to receive higher pay scales upon completion of 10, 20, and 30 years of service.

Consequently, around 1,800 Gujarat police personnel who were recruited as constables in 1991 and 1996-97 and have completed 30 years of service had demanded higher pay at the PSI level. A total of 650 police personnel have even submitted applications to the director general of police (DGP)'s office regarding this matter.

In this context, the administrative department of the Gujarat Police issued a circular four days ago stating that constable staff who have been receiving ASI pay for three years and desire to obtain the higher pay scale of a Class-3 PSI should submit their application forms to appear for the mode-3 departmental examination. Upon passing this examination, the third higher pay scale of PSI will be approved.