Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Police Commissionerate and the Daskhina Kannada district jointly observed the Police Flag and Welfare Day on the police grounds here on April 2.
The event was marked by a parade by contingents of the police force accompanied by the police band.
Retired ASI Kushalappa Gowda was the chief guest. He received the salute at the parade, which was presided over by the IGP of Western Range, Amrit Paul IPS along with Police Commissioner S Murugan, SP Dr Sharanappa and DCP of Law & Order Santosh Babu. The police flag day sticker was released by Kushalappa Gowda on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering Kushalappa Gowda said, “I have served in the police department for 33 years with transparency. After retirement, we have been treated as useless buffaloes. The media is very strong and plays a vital role in giving justice, when the police officials are unable to do it.” He also stressed that the retired police officers should get all the benefits, such as medical assistance and canteen facilities. If the entire family cannot get medical assistance, let couples atleast get the medical assistance.”
He also said that the retired police officers should be given canteen facilities. “It is not in the hands of the police department, but unless the higher police officials pressurize the finance department, our demands will not be fulfilled. We have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister through the Deputy General of Police, but so far our demands have not been fulfilled.”
Advising the retired police officers who boycotted the programme, Kushalappa said that those who wear Khaki and are on duty, will not boycot this event. “Let us all unite and fight for our rights and for justice.”
Western range IGP Amrit Paul delivered the presidential address. He said that the Flag Day would always assist in recognizing the committed service that the force renders to the society. He wished the retiring officials well. Amrit Paul also said that a memorandum has been submitted to the government with high recommendation to provide medical assistance and canteen facilities to the retired officers. “It will take some time and we need support from the retired officers in this regard. 4 retired officers who were present out of the 63 were honoured on the occasion.”
Children of police officers who scored high marks in SSLC, PUC and Engineering were felicitated by Nalini S Bhandary on the occasion. ASP probation Suman Pennekar IPS led the parade. Lanet Castelino compered the programme.
