From Black to Brown! Change in Belt Colour forcing Traffic Home Guards to Quit
Mangaluru: What’s a big deal about a Color or a Dress Code?- for many it may not be a big issue, but for the Home Guards in Mangaluru where many of them have been assigned duty to manage the chaotic and congested traffic in the City, the issue in the change of belt color from Black to Brown has resulted in many of them quitting the post- and it is learnt that at least 20 home guards have resigned from their jobs in the last three months.
Even though as per the dress code of Home Guards they are suppose to wear Khaki Color web belt, but ignoring that dress code, many Home Guards were seen wearing Black belts on their own, so that they could be seen similar to those of other Traffic police personnel while controlling the traffic. But with the Headquarters of Home Guards coming to know about this, had recently ordered that all Home Guards should strictly abide by the dress code as prescribed by the department.
Sources reveal that Dr Murali Mohan C-Home Guards District Commandant speaking to media had said, ” Over 20 home guards mostly in the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate limits have quit their jobs in the last 2-3 months, ever since the dress code was strictly enforced by the department. Due to this decision by these home guards in leaving their jobs, has now worried the police department who were trying to enrol as many Home Guards since the elections were approaching, to handle security part and also controlling the traffic.”. The District Commandant had also said that, ” Ever since the Home Guards started wearing brown web belts, there has been three assault incidents on these guards- and in one case the accused was sent to jail for his behaviour.”
Earlier Home Guard Web Belt Color was Black
” In the other two incidents, where private bus drivers who had confronted the home guards for disciplining them for jumping signal lights and other traffic violations, the drivers were slapped with fines and strict warnings. Earlier when the home guards dress code matched the police personnel, motorists used to obey and respect them, but recently after the change in dress code, the Home Guards have been abused, and many quit due to this. In many places, because of their earlier dress code, the Home Guards even took a free buss-ride in local buses and also availed other benefits- but now they are ignored, and nobody gives them respect after dress code changes. I have brought this issue to the notice of the Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, who have assured that they will convince/motivate them, and do the needful” added Dr Murali Mohan.
In the meantime, SP Sudheer Kumar has also assured that strict action will be taken against motorists who assault Home Guards or disobey them when questioned for traffic violations. Speaking to media, a home guard who recently quit after the dress code was strictly implemented said, ” I have been in this service for over a decade, but I decided to leave my job after the dress code was strictly enforced, where I thought that there was no point in continuing my duties when citizens started to show disrespect towards me. Even in my presence at the busy intersections, motorists recently started to violate traffic rules after I had changed my belt color. Feeling embarrassed over this I decided to quit my job, which I feel bad but couldn’t bear the humiliation and disrespect from the motorists.”
Note: Pics for Illustration only
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