Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has issued an order requiring the transfer of overweight police officers and personnel to police lines within the state. The objective of this decision is to prioritize the fitness of police personnel, allowing them to resume their duties once they achieve the necessary fitness levels through exercise. This move follows a similar initiative implemented in Assam, where police personnel are given three months to work on their fitness while their Body Mass Index (BMI) is recorded.
In a tweet, Minister Vij stated the reason behind the order, emphasizing the importance of the fitness of police officers and personnel. Meanwhile, in Assam, Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Pratap Singh has announced a fitness survey for police personnel, including Indian Police Service (IPS) and Assam Police Service (APS) officers. Those deemed “unfit” will be given the option of voluntary retirement (VRS) from service. Assam personnel will have three months to improve their fitness, after which their BMIs will be assessed.
Singh further explained the plan, mentioning that Assam Police personnel, including IPS and APS officers, will be given three months until August 15 to work on their fitness. BMI assessments will be conducted within the following fifteen days. Individuals classified as “obese” (BMI 30+) will be given an additional three months to reduce weight until the end of November. After that, the VRS option will be offered, except for those with genuine medical reasons such as hypothyroidism.
Last month, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that approximately 300 Assam Police personnel identified as “habitual drinkers” would be given the opportunity of VRS. They can rejoin duty once they achieve fitness through exercise. The focus on fitness initiatives aims to enhance the overall health and well-being of police personnel in both Haryana and Assam.