AI Generated Summary
- The development is seen as a positive shift in policing culture, recognizing the importance of mental health and work-life balance in a profession traditionally marked by round-the-clock responsibilities.
- The initiative, which came into effect on Thursday following orders issued by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Darpan Ahluwalia, makes Khanna the first police district in Punjab to formally implement such a provision.
- According to the official directive, the weekly off has been introduced in line with earlier instructions issued by the Punjab Director General of Police in 2003.
The Khanna district police have rolled out a weekly day-off system, offering much-needed respite to officers often burdened with long and demanding duty hours.
The initiative, which came into effect on Thursday following orders issued by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Darpan Ahluwalia, makes Khanna the first police district in Punjab to formally implement such a provision. The move is being widely welcomed within the force as a progressive effort to address workplace stress and promote mental health.
According to the official directive, the weekly off has been introduced in line with earlier instructions issued by the Punjab Director General of Police in 2003. The order aims to reduce workload pressures and ensure that police personnel remain mentally resilient while performing their duties.
Under the new system, station house officers (SHOs) have been tasked with preparing rosters to ensure that each officer gets one day off per week—amounting to four days a month. Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) will oversee implementation in units beyond police stations.
However, the weekly off does not qualify as formal leave. Personnel availing the break must remain within their area of posting and be available to return to duty in case of emergencies or urgent law-and-order situations. This provision aligns with Section 22 of the Police Act, 1861, which mandates that police officers remain on duty at all times unless officially on leave.
Speaking about the initiative, SSP Ahluwalia said the objective was to allow officers time for personal responsibilities and health, thereby helping them stay composed and effective in their roles. “Balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being is essential for maintaining efficiency in policing,” he noted.
Police officials on the ground have expressed support for the measure. Inspector Sandeep Kumar, SHO of Khanna Sadar police station, described the move as “long overdue,” adding that such a system should be expanded across the state. “It gives officers a chance to spend time with their families and recharge,” he said.
Senior officials in Chandigarh acknowledged that while similar provisions had been proposed over two decades ago, they had not been implemented until now. With Khanna setting a precedent, other districts in Punjab may soon follow suit.
The development is seen as a positive shift in policing culture, recognizing the importance of mental health and work-life balance in a profession traditionally marked by round-the-clock responsibilities.
