Opposition expresses concerns over Mumbai Police's plan to hire "contractual" cops
text_fields
Mumbai: The opposition in Maharashtra has raised serious concerns about the Mumbai police's decision to hire "contractual personnel," calling it a risky and detrimental move for both the force and the public.
Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, speaking in the legislative council, emphasised that the control of the police should remain under the state government. He expressed apprehension that the addition of contractual cops to the Mumbai police force might lead to a situation similar to the Wagner Group's rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. The Wagner Group is a Russian private military force.
"I oppose recruitment of police on contract. It will lead to law and order problems. What if the 'police' do not obey government orders? A security guard can be on contract, but a policeman cannot be on contract," Danve stated.
The state government's decision to outsource 3,000 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), a public sector undertaking of the state police, comes as a measure to overcome the shortage of constables in the Mumbai police. The state home department issued the order on Monday.
Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap raised concerns about the effectiveness of "contracted policemen" in dealing with criminal elements. He also sought information about the status of police recruitment tests conducted earlier this year.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar also criticised the move, stating that it would negatively impact both the public and the police administration. He likened the contractual police to a smaller version of recruits under the Centre's Agnipath scheme.
The decision to hire contractual cops has sparked a heated debate, with the opposition and some legislators expressing fears about its potential implications for law and order and police obedience to government directives. As the issue continues to be a point of contention, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and considering public feedback.
