YSRCP accuses government of neglecting police welfare

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The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the Andhra Pradesh coalition government of neglecting the welfare of police personnel and failing to honour promises made to them ahead of the elections.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, YSRCP Krishna district president and former Minister Perni Venkatramaiah(Nani) alleged that the government had disregarded the concerns of police personnel, much like it had allegedly failed women, farmers and unemployed youth.

He claimed that payments due towards surrender leave encashment for constables were still pending and alleged that the government had curtailed benefits available under the scheme. Payments under the surrender leave and travel allowance (TA) categories had been delayed, resulting in substantial arrears, he said. According to Mr. Venkatramaiah, law and order personnel were owed up to ₹72,000 in travel allowances, while APSP and Armed Reserve constables were losing benefits worth around ₹36,000 annually.

The former Minister further alleged that police personnel were being pressured to register a minimum number of drunken-driving cases each day and were threatened with transfers to the VR section if targets were not met. He also questioned the status of election promises such as special leave on personal occasions and work-from-home facilities for police personnel.

Mr. Venkatramaiah expressed concern over the continuation of the orderly system, alleging that constables were still being assigned personal duties by senior officers and even retired IPS officials. He demanded that the system be abolished immediately and that all assurances given to police personnel be implemented without delay.

He also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, alleging that they had failed to address issues concerning police welfare.