An inspection of two police stations by officials of the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has concluded that the "working and living" conditions of cops at both the police stations was "below standard".
It has recommended that priority needs to be given to improve their conditions so that the police force can work with optimal output and remain stress free.
A complaint filed by social activist Aires Rodrigues with the GHRC demanded verification of the factual working and living conditions of the cops at the Old Goa Police Station in North Goa and Colva Police Station in South Goa.
Rodrigues while disputing the stand taken by the chief secretary and Director General of Police that all amenities including canteen and recreational facilities were available at every police station, had sought that any two police stations be inspected to ascertain the ground reality.
In his complaint to the GHRC in September last year, Rodrigues alleged that the copsin the State were being madeto workfor long hoursinpathetic and appalling conditions and had sought thatlike all other government employees thepolice personnel should alsogetaneight hour shiftwhich will in fact increase their efficiency.
A three-member team led by GHRC secretary Margaret Fernandes, under-secretary Shashikant Bhamaikar and police inspector Manoj Mardolkar attached to the investigation cell of the GHRC onMay 26 inspected the Old Goa and Colva Police Stations and last week submitted a detailed 11-page report highlighting the pathetic working conditions at both the police stations.
The report pointed out that Old Goa Police station with a staff strength of 114 and Colva Police station with 87 staff are housed in very old and overcrowded premises which is neither suitable nor sufficient to accommodate the staff working at the police station.
It further said that there was an urgent need of new buildings for both the police stations taking into consideration the basic needs and facilities for the staff posted at these police stations.
It also said that there is also a need to fix an eight hour shift to tackle problems like stress, hypertension and diabetes which are found in policemen.
The report suggested having more staff to share the workload also expressed the need to separate law and order from the investigation cells at the police stations.
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