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Ludhiana: Khanna police roll out weekly off policy despite staff shortage
Khanna police introduce a weekly off policy for personnel to improve well-being, despite staff shortages, addressing long-standing work schedule issues.
The Khanna police have introduced a weekly off policy for their personnel, despite grappling with a shortage of manpower, in a move aimed at improving their mental and physical well-being.
The initiative, spearheaded by senior superintendent of police (SSP) Darpan Ahluwalia, has been implemented under Section 22 of the Police Act, 1861.
According to officials, police personnel in Punjab are not being granted weekly off due to staff shortages, despite the Punjab Police Rules stipulating that they are entitled to one day of rest every week.
A weekly roster has been issued for station house officers (SHOs) across all eight police stations and they have been directed to prepare similar rosters for staff under them to ensure smooth functioning without affecting policing operations.
The SSP said the policy addresses the long-standing issue of continuous and demanding work schedules, as police personnel are often considered to be on duty round the clock. While the weekly off will not be treated as leave, personnel will remain stationed at their place of posting and can be called back in case of emergencies.
The order also states that on the day an SHO avails the weekly off, the additional SHO or another designated official will take charge to ensure continuity in administrative and law-and-order duties. Any change in the scheduled off will require prior approval from senior officers.
Highlighting the rationale, SSP Ahluwalia said the district police currently has around 200 personnel deployed across police stations, making duty management a challenge. “Continuous and strenuous duties often lead to fatigue, affecting both efficiency and behaviour. Providing a weekly break will help personnel maintain better mental balance and family life,” she said.
She also referred to a 2003 memorandum issued by the then director general of police, which noted that police personnel are effectively on duty round the clock unless on sanctioned leave.
Over time, such prolonged engagement has been linked to stress, poor health and reduced social interaction.
Senior officers said long duty hours often affect personal well-being, discipline and public interaction, underlining the need for regulated work schedules and adequate rest.
