Physical test for promotion taking toll on UP policemen

So far,about 370 constables have fainted during this test which began in the districts on July 19 and is likely to continue until August 9. Of them,78 constables required hospitalisation.

Officers are doubtful if such a “physical endurance test” for serving constable exists in other states.

“Usually,new recruits are required to run 10 km in 60 minutes. In states where such test exists for serving constables,they have to run only 5 km. In most Central police organisations also,it is a 5-km run for serving constables,” said a senior officer.

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V C Goel,chairman of the UP Promotion & Police Recruitment Board (UPPPRB),said,“Earlier,after qualifying the written exam,the policemen had to attend the usual physical training,parade and arms drill sessions as part of the physical endurance test.”

Goel said new rules and regulations for promotion and recruitment were drafted after the board was set up in 2007.

Under new rules,candidates appearing for fresh recruitment as constables and sub-inspectors have to complete a 10-km run in 60 minutes,while serving constables and head constables applying for promotion as SIs have to do so in 75 minutes,the chairman said.

Policemen up to the age of 40 are allowed to take the test for promotion,but this time the age has been relaxed up to 47,as the test is being held after seven years,Goel said.

In all,about 55,000 constables and head constables have applied. Those who passed the written test are being called for the 10-km run.

For constables,a promotion as SI means not only addition of Rs 5,000 in pay but a higher status and better prospects. Therefore,no constable who is eligible wants to miss the test.

Police officials said the test is not really difficult for a physically fit person after proper preparation.

But many constables are appearing for the run without proper preparation. “They come unprepared,get panicky and develop respiratory problems,” said Goel.

Interestingly,none of the five constables who died was above 40. Also,of the 78 who required hospitalisation,only one was 43 while others were in the age group of 34-40.

PAC head constable Hari Ram Yadav (40) who was taken ill in Sitapur and died on Thursday in Lucknow had been a commando trained from NSG. Though he was no more deputed for commando duty due to his age,he was believed to be in a better physical condition than other policemen.