Police for Mafias, VIPs and retired officers while common citizens fend for themselves? Jharkhand minister seeks security policy overhaul
SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA Ranchi, July 14: In a fresh broadside against the functioning of the Jharkhand bureaucracy and police administration, Finance Minister…
Radha Krishna Kishore
SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, July 14: In a fresh broadside against the functioning of the Jharkhand bureaucracy and police administration, Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore has questioned the state’s security deployment policy, alleging that police personnel are being diverted to protect influential individuals, retired police officers and others while ordinary citizens are left to fend for themselves.
In a strongly worded letter to Director General of Police (DGP) Tadasha Mishra, the senior Congress leader called for a comprehensive review of the state’s security policy, arguing that the existing system neither adequately protects police personnel nor serves the larger public interest.
The letter marks the latest episode in Kishore’s continuing criticism of the bureaucracy and police administration, with the minister repeatedly accusing officials of ignoring established administrative procedures and undermining the authority of elected representatives by violating the Rules of Executive Business.
‘Protect the Police Before They Protect Others’
Kishore clarified that his earlier request seeking an additional vehicle for his security detail was never intended to enhance his own security.
“My only concern is that the security personnel should be protected so that they can discharge their duties effectively,” he said.
He explained that the issue assumed greater significance after members of the police fraternity themselves voiced concerns over inadequate security arrangements.
The minister referred to the recent concerns raised by the Jharkhand Police Association following the murder at a pub in Jamshedpur, saying the incident highlighted the vulnerability of police personnel deployed on duty.
Questions Security Priorities
In his letter, Kishore questioned the rationale behind the deployment of police personnel.
He pointed out that PCR vans and patrol vehicles are often manned by just a driver and a single police officer, asking how such personnel could effectively protect others when they themselves work under inadequate security arrangements.
The minister further referred to allegations that police personnel are being deployed in violation of prescribed norms.
According to the letter, influential individuals, land mafias and persons allegedly involved in illegal mining activities are reportedly receiving police protection.
He also questioned the continued deployment of police personnel and official resources for serving and retired police officers, saying the public has a right to know the criteria governing such security arrangements.
The minister suggested that while scarce police resources are being deployed for influential persons and retired officials, common citizens are increasingly left without adequate protection.
He called for transparency in the allocation of police personnel, vehicles and other security resources.
Criticism of Bureaucratic Functioning
The Finance Minister said the issue forms part of a larger pattern of administrative lapses that he has repeatedly flagged within the government.
Citing a recent example, he alleged that a Joint Secretary in his department had written directly to him instead of routing the communication through the departmental secretary, as required under the Rules of Executive Business.
“Under the Rules of Executive Business, any official communication to a minister has to come through the departmental secretary. Recently, a Joint Secretary directly wrote to me. That is against the rules,” Kishore said.
Calling it a systemic problem, he added, “This is not an isolated case. Most ministers are facing this situation.”
The veteran legislator said such practices weaken institutional discipline and erode the administrative framework envisaged under the state’s rules of governance.
‘Not Angry with the Government’
Rejecting suggestions that his repeated interventions reflected differences with the Hemant Soren government, Kishore said his objective was to strengthen governance.
“I am not angry with the government. Being a minister, how can I be angry with the government? But it is my duty to point out that the system should be streamlined,” he said.
Calls for Modern Security Policy
Kishore said that despite substantial budgetary allocations for police modernisation, concerns over the safety of police personnel indicate that the state’s security policy requires urgent review.
He urged the DGP to move away from outdated security practices and evolve a transparent, need-based deployment policy that prioritises the safety of police personnel while ensuring better protection for ordinary citizens and those facing genuine security threats.
The minister argued that police personnel can effectively maintain law and order only when they themselves feel secure, adding that rational deployment of the police force would ultimately benefit both law enforcement and the public.
