Personnel Protest Pay Disparities, Delayed Promotions
– Raheem Khan
Jaipur – Rajasthan Police boycotted Holi celebrations this year, protesting salary disparities, delayed promotions, and lack of benefits. Though Holi was celebrated across the state on Friday, the traditional post-Holi police festivities on March 15 were absent in over 30 districts, including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.
Police personnel cited four key demands: timely Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) promotions, rectification of pay gaps, weekly holidays, and increased mess allowances. Despite repeated appeals, the government has failed to address these issues.
Compared to other departments, police salaries lag behind. A constable, Patwari, and junior clerk start with a ₹5,200–₹20,200 pay scale. After nine years, a Patwari’s grade pay jumps to ₹3,200, a clerk’s to ₹2,400, while a constable’s increases only to ₹2,000.
In Jaisalmer, constables and sub-inspectors refused to join festivities, despite preparations. Senior officers, including SP Sudhir Chaudhary, celebrated, but the absence of lower-rank personnel made the event lackluster.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena backed the police, urging them to celebrate Holi, promising to raise their concerns with CM Bhajanlal Sharma. His support increased pressure on the state government, which has yet to respond.
With the boycott casting a shadow over the festival, it remains to be seen if the government will act—or if the unrest will escalate.
