The Himachal Pradesh Police is becoming a “gentler”, “more disciplined” force, and the start will be made with the uniform.Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Wednesday cleared a file to replace the traditional khaki dress with light blue shirts and blue trousers for nearly 1,400 men and women in the state police force. Says DGP Ashwani Kumar: “It’s going to be the end of an era in the history of the Himachal Pradesh police. All policemen below the rank of inspectors will wear the new blue uniforms.”He adds that the cost for the new shirt and trousers — along with a dark blue cap, black shoes and black belt — will be covered by the allowance paid to the policemen now to maintain their uniform. The dress code will be the same for women.Officers above the rank of inspectors — both belonging to the Himachal Police Service (HPS) and IPS — will continue to wear khaki uniforms. While the Himachal Government is planning to change the law in case of HPS officers, IPS officers are covered by All India Service Rules. “The change is not going to be simply in the looks,” says DGP Kumar. “The effort is to try for a complete makeover, in terms of discipline, behaviour and conduct. I believe even the new colour will make a difference.” The Government is also considering new uniforms for the all-women India Reserve Police Battalion.
