In the United Kingdom, a police constable can occupy the highest police position by performance over a period of time. But not in India. The IPS blocks the constable's growth. At best a constable may become a Sub-Inspector ; but most may not cross the post of Assistant Sub-Inspector. But for many constables, attractive openings are available as Orderlies in the houses of their superior officers. An orderly is a Domestic Servant doing a variety of services for the Officer'sfamily and its members. When there is shortage of constabulary for law and order, and criminal investigation duties, many constables are posted for domestic duties in the houses of the police officers. After a tough selection process and giving bribe to politicians in a good number of cases, the young recruits are shocked to see their posting as domestic help. The wife of a police constable lamented that " my husband is doing even a scavenger's job at the officer's house. I was proud to marry a policeman. But now I am ashamed ."
A Police officer is often referred to as YAJAMAN, meaning Feudal Landlord because of such unacceptable practice and the way many function. Strangely even a Police Constable is called YAJAMAN by the poor , an illustration of the vertical violence of the social order by those entrusted with the responsibility of upholding its integrity. A Standing Committee of The Parliament recommended the abolition of the orderly practice quite a long time ago. But like the other pressing Police Reforms which remain unattended by the central and state governments , this recommendation is also ignored.
Child labour, bonded labour, domestic labour and many ther vulnerable working class are exploited in India despite some form of protective legislation, Police labour or Orderlies have no legal umbrella to prevent this practice or to regulate the working hours, nature of work and working conditions. While Human Rights activists will condemn this practice, the ordinary citizens are happy that their daily tormentors are treated this way by an indifferent state.
A Police officer is often referred to as YAJAMAN, meaning Feudal Landlord because of such unacceptable practice and the way many function. Strangely even a Police Constable is called YAJAMAN by the poor , an illustration of the vertical violence of the social order by those entrusted with the responsibility of upholding its integrity. A Standing Committee of The Parliament recommended the abolition of the orderly practice quite a long time ago. But like the other pressing Police Reforms which remain unattended by the central and state governments , this recommendation is also ignored.
Child labour, bonded labour, domestic labour and many ther vulnerable working class are exploited in India despite some form of protective legislation, Police labour or Orderlies have no legal umbrella to prevent this practice or to regulate the working hours, nature of work and working conditions. While Human Rights activists will condemn this practice, the ordinary citizens are happy that their daily tormentors are treated this way by an indifferent state.
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