What Triggered the Suggestion?
The advice came after around 600 recruits applied for transfers to training schools near their home districts, citing reasons such as ailing parents or location preference. Addressing the issue via video conferencing on the eve of training, ADG Singh urged constables to draw inspiration from Lord Ram’s 14-year exile, stating:
“If God could live in the forest for 14 years, you can stay away from home for nine months of training.”
He further suggested reading Ramcharitmanas daily before sleeping, calling it a source of discipline, motivation, and peace of mind.
Congress Raises Concerns
Congress spokesperson Firoz Siddiqui said the party had no objection to any religious text but emphasized the Constitution’s secular character:
“Religion is a personal matter. The government should not enforce any specific religious practice.”
Constables’ Positive Response
On-ground feedback from Police Training School (PTS) Bhauri, Bhopal, suggests recruits — including Muslim trainees — have responded positively to the suggestion.
Constable Usmani Shabnam said:
“Lord Ram accepted exile for 14 years. Our nine-month training is nothing compared to that. Reading Ramcharitmanas will teach us discipline and devotion to duty.”
Another recruit, Ayan Mahmood Khan, added:
“It’s a good suggestion. Reading Ramcharitmanas in the evening will keep us motivated and peaceful after a hectic day.”
Training Details
- Duration: 9 months
- Number of recruits: 4,000
- Training schools: 8 across MP — Rewa, Umaria, Pachmarhi, Indore, Ujjain, Bhauri (Bhopal), Tighra (Gwalior), Sagar
- Curriculum: Updated to include new criminal laws introduced on July 1, 2024
ADG Singh clarified that no transfers will be allowed now and asked recruits to focus on training. “These constables will be the face of MP Police for 33–35 years; the training period should transform them,” he said.
Key Takeaways
- Reading Ramayana during police training is a voluntary suggestion, not a mandate.
- Political controversy highlights debate over secularism vs cultural values.
- Recruits largely view it as motivational and stress-relieving.
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