Proposal on policing gathering dust

The Union home ministry had considered a proposal to give the Delhi chief minister a formal role in being part of decisions that involve the Delhi Police. Harinder Baweja reports.

The Union home ministry had considered a proposal to give the Delhi chief minister a formal role in being part of decisions that involve the Delhi Police. The police commissioner currently reports to Delhi's lieutenant-governor and not the chief minister.

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Former home secretary GK Pillai, who retired last year, told Hindustan Times that the home ministry was working for the creation of a standing committee that would include the home minister, the home secretary, the Delhi CM, the police commissioner and the lieutenant-governor.

Pillai is of the view that young MPs should have come to India Gate to speak with the protesting youth. "The home secretary addressing a press conference with a smiling police commissioner sitting by his side did not help to assuage the anger that was raging against the police after the brutal gangrape,'' Pillai said.

Explaining the justification behind Centre's control over Delhi Police, Pillai said, "The reason why the police in the city remains with the Centre is because it is part of the national Capital that houses both the Central and state governments. Political differences between these two governments, particularly if they are from opposing political parties, can lead to a lot of diplomatic embarrassment.''

A MHA official confirmed that discussions on creating a standing committee were held and noted on file but soon ran into 'turf problems'.