Shillong, Feb 26: The issue of understaffed police stations in Meghalaya has been an ongoing concern for the state.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge Home Prestone Tynsong informed the assembly that the government plans to allocate manpower concurrently with the establishment of new police stations and outposts.
He said that the government remains committed to strengthening police infrastructure and manpower, and that with the latest round of recruitment and the new policy linking creation of police stations with sanctioned posts, the longstanding issue of understaffing would gradually be addressed.
Tynsong informed the house about the recruitment of about 3,000 personnel. He said appointment orders will be issued shortly and that the department is confident that vacancies across police stations and outposts will be substantially filled to strengthen policing across the state.
On a question raised by Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on the strength of police personnel and the shortfall in various units, Tynsong said out of the total sanctioned strength of 3,486 personnel spread across police stations, outposts, and specialised branches, there are currently only 2,832 individuals actively serving. Police stations, which have a sanctioned strength of 1,843, are currently staffed by just 1,431 personnel.
Raising concern over the shortfall, Basaiawmoit asked about the police-to-population ratio recommended by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D). Tynsong replied that Meghalaya met the benchmark with 197 police personnel per lakh population.
During supplementary discussions, Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope suggested increasing staff strength beyond prescribed norms to offset sudden vacancies caused by retirement or untimely demise.
Mawlai MLA Brighstarwell Marbaniang sought a detailed break-up of personnel by rank and raised concerns about Meghalaya’s comparatively lower police-population ratio vis-à-vis other northeastern states. Tynsong maintained that while there may be minor percentage shortages in certain areas, the state meets the overall BPR&D criteria.
Concerns were also raised about police personnel being deployed for non-policing duties. Marbaniang pointed out instances where constables were allegedly misused for household chores while on security duty. The Home Minister assured that corrective measures will be taken.
Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar pressed for additional manpower in border outposts such as Mawlasnai and Umsiang, while Heavingstone Kharpran sought details on personnel deployed in non-policing roles.
