Koraput: "Stressed" and "overworked" police personnel from the rank of constable to sub-inspector in the district will get one-day leave in a month to spend time with their families.

At present, the cops have no weekly or fixed day-offs. They had to apply for leaves that were subject to approval by the concerned higher authorities.

Officials said policemen from the rank of a constable to a sub-inspector, who works around 10 to 12 hours a day executing duties such as managing traffic, carrying out investigation and ensuring law and order for more than 20 days a month would be given compulsory one-day leave with pay every month.

"It is seen that long duties without leave causes stress among the police personnel, and they also cannot engage themselves in social activities. Hence, it's a small effort from our side to ensure welfare of the police personnel and increase their efficiency," said police superintendent Kanwar Vishal Singh.

However, the special leave comes with a condition. Singh said those police personnel, who had never overstayed their leave and had not been indiscipline in their service, would be entitled to get the compulsory leave. "Those, who remain in unauthorised absence and overstays without proper permission, can also get this privilege if they don't do any overstay for the next six months," he said.

Moreover, the district police have decided to select a best constable each month. "The selected best constable on the basis of performance will also be entitled to get one-day compulsory leave with pay," he said.

Singh said the compulsory leave would be given on a rotation basis to ensure that the regular work of the concerned police station was not hampered. Policemen have hailed the decision and are hopeful that it will boost their efficiency. "It's a very good decision as we were not getting leave even at family emergencies. Now, at least we can get one-day off to get relaxed and spend some quality time with family," said a constable of district police.