Ranchi: Severe cold is prompting policemen in the state capital to ditch their uniform and take informal extra cover because their allegedly meagre allowance cannot pay for prescribed heavy-duty woollens.
The Celsius in Ranchi has been hovering around 5°C for the past couple of days and, if Met officials are to be believed, there will be no respite from the cold wave this week.
Amid such weather, many policemen are preferring to wear casual windcheaters and pullovers, which are available in a variety of colours, and rarely khaki, besides vibrant beanies and mufflers - the entire attire making them look more like civilians.
A shopkeeper at Potala Market said it was confusing to see cops in plain clothes everywhere. "On Monday, there was scuffle between a section of woollens traders and police on Circular Road. But, you could barely say who was from which group as the cops were all wearing colourful jackets," he said.
A policeman on PCR van duty at Albert Ekka Chowk said they had little choice. "We are provided with an annual allowance of Rs 3,000 to purchase uniforms. It is difficult to get good quality woollens even if you reserve a portion of the money for winter attire. And, it is so very cold this year. We have to cover up well; else, we shall get sick," he said.
Another policeman echoed him and said there was no hard-and-fast rule for warm clothes on night duty. "Some of us even come out with blankets to beat the chill. Violating the dress code is not choice, but necessity. Our seniors know it," the policeman said.
SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi conceded that the dress code was a bit relaxed in severe weather. "Usually, the winter uniform comprises khaki angora (a heavy-duty sweater or coat) and full pants. Green-coloured sweaters are also allowed," he said.
State police spokesperson R.K. Mallick felt the annual allowance for uniforms was adequate. "If the money is spent judiciously, proper winter clothes can be paid for without breaking the dress code. Officers at district-level should ensure rules are followed," he said.
