Why the Mumbai cop has little staying power

Though 18 to 20 plots have been reserved for police quarters in Mumbai, not a sungle building has come up here. Senior inspectors of police who spoke to Newsline say that despite the availability of loans, repaying them is difficult on the salaries they receive.

Remarks a police officer, who had to camp in the Crime Branch compound: “It is very difficult to find a house in Mumbai and we hesitate to stay with relatives, especially with our odd duty hours. In that case, it is better to stay in a patrolling van in the premises of the Crime Branch.”

Underscoring that they are constantly worried about housing, a young constable says: “Because I have no proper house, my parents keep worrying about me. I also spend a lot of money on long-distance telephone calls since my family is based in Kolhapur. All this affects the discharge of my duties.”

Some policemen who do not have accommodation reside in chawls belonging to the state Public Works Department. But their problems do not end here. Hassles with water supply, sanitation and electricity add to their woes. Says an inspector: “The least the government can do is disburse our salaries on time. This and the accommodation crunch are the biggest of our problems.”

Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who is also the state home minister, says the government is actively discussing the housing issue and will soon come up with better faciliies. “I realise that the housing problem is very serious but the only hurdle is that the area allotted for quarters is not commensurate with an increase in the size of the force. Certain schemes are under consideration.” He, however, refused to elaborate.

Says Bhujangrao Mohite, joint commissioner of police (administration), “The housing issue is age-old and we are trying to do whatever is possible within our capacity. But one thing’s for sure, we are not ignoring the matter.