Famous British historian Thomas Fuller coined a phrase in 17th century- ‘Charity begins at home.’ Kawardha (Kabirdham) police in Chhattisgarh is doing popularising it. It has not issued any challan in the district for not wearing a helmet during the last three months. But, at least 25 policemen have been given departmental punishment in the same period. The reason behind this is the initiative of SP Mr Lal Umed Singh of the district.
IPS officer Mr Singh believes in changing the mindset of people towards road safety. Road accidents, and traffic rules violations would automatically stop. And the first place he implemented his ideas was his home, the police department.
He has introduced strict regulations within the department. Every police personnel riding a two-wheeler will have to wear a helmet and triple-riding on a two-wheeler will be a punishable offence.
SETTING EXAMPLE WITH ACTIONS
The District SP has appealed to the citizens to look beyond the confines of road safety standards. Mr. Singh told Indian Masterminds, “How can we tell common man follow traffic rules if we ourselves are violating them?”
Several steps have been taken to ensure that every police personnel follow the rules. There are strict orders that bike-riding policemen without a helmet will not be given entry in any police station. Police Control Room (PCR)van are on a watch. CCTV cameras are also keeping vigil. Disciplinary action will be taken against those not following the guidelines.
There is a provision of ‘censure’ for any police personnel found guilty. “This punishment is recorded in the personal file of concerned police personnel, which would affects his promotion and salary hike,” he said.
RESPONSE
The response has been overwhelming. Now most police personnel in the district have started wearing helmets. “I hope that all police official helmets will follow our guidelines. After that we will soon issue similar guidelines for the general public too,” he told Indian Masterminds.
The move has instilled people’s faith in the police. Common man too on their own have started following rules as they are aware that traffic violators will not be spared by the cops who are following rules to a T. No system is fool proof. but we need to change the mindset of the people.
THE DATA
According to the data released by the National Crime Records Bureau, the number of traffic-related accidents in 2021 has risen by 14.6 per cent to 4,22,659. These road accidents took 1,55,622 lives while 3,71,884 people were left injured. A staggering 44.5 per cent of the deaths involved two-wheelers which are a very common mode of transportation in India.
Traffic violations are likely to go down drastically, if a Zero Tolerance policy is implemented in the country.
