The issue is linked to the ongoing relevance of regulations that date back to the British era. The District Commander’s office organizes General Parades twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. Volunteers who fail to attend are being summoned on different days during office hours to explain their absence.
Several female volunteers are posted in remote areas far from the district headquarters. To attend the parade, they must travel a day in advance, causing both logistical and financial stress. Many of these women are also mothers, making it difficult to manage childcare responsibilities alongside participation in the parade.
Increasing Responsibilities of Urban Volunteers
Urban volunteers support the police in maintaining law and order, in addition to managing various public service and disaster response duties. They are deployed across multiple locations and are known to carry out their responsibilities with dedication. However, in recent months, challenges for volunteers have increased significantly.
Controversy Over Notices
Attempts to reach District Commander In-Charge A.K. Ekka for clarification were unsuccessful. Male and female volunteers reportedly signed a single acknowledgment regarding the notices issued for their absence. Some female volunteers, despite being eligible for exemptions, also received notices, prompting them to go on 18-day leave in protest.
The incident has sparked debate over the practicality of long-standing rules and the need for flexible arrangements, particularly for women and volunteers posted in distant locations.
