The 152-year-old institution of constabulary may cease to exist if the state governments give their go-ahead to a proposal in this regard.
The Centre has sent last week to all states a proposal by the second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to abolish the existing system of constabulary in civil police by substituting it with recruitment of graduates at the level of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI).
However, hiring of constables in armed police will continue.
Union Home Secretary R K Singh said the issue was discussed at the April 15 conference of Chief Ministers and views of the state governments were sought.
"When we receive their views, these will be discussed by the Group of Ministers on ARC. Then the GoM will formulate its view and present before the Union Cabinet for final decision," Singh told PTI.
As on December 31, 2011, the strength of civil police in the country stood at 12,81,317 against the sanctioned strength of 16,60,953 while the number of armed police was 3,78,834 against the sanctioned strength of 4,26,879. The strength of women civil police, including district armed police, stood at 83,829 against the sanctioned strength of 1,49,566.
The backbone of Indian police -- constabulary -- came into existence with the enactment of Police Act in 1861. It is the lowest police rank followed by the head constable. Since each state has its own police force, the uniforms and insignia of the police varies, though the rank structure is same.
