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Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, made a considerate decision on Wednesday. He instructed the Mumbai police commissioner to be mindful of the well-being of traffic constables, especially in hot weather. To ensure their health and comfort, the directive suggests not assigning duty on the city’s roads to constables above the age of 55. This caring step shows the government’s concern for these hardworking officers’ physical welfare.
The decision was made when Chief Minister Shinde saw with his own eyes the senior constables working in the blistering heat as he traveled from Thane to Mumbai earlier that day. Worried about their well-being, he quickly got in touch with Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar and gave him the necessary instructions.
CM Shinde made it clear that traffic constables who have serious health issues should not be given duty on the roads. He also emphasized the significance of arranging shade and ensuring a constant supply of water for the constables working on the streets. These steps are taken to protect their well-being and create a comfortable working atmosphere for them.
Back in April, the Mumbai Traffic Police took an important step to protect their officers on field duty. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pravin Padwal, issued a directive that emphasized the well-being of officers aged 55 and above. The directive stated that these senior officers should not be assigned field duty from noon to 5 pm, when the sun is at its harshest. It also acknowledged the need to exempt officers with health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or recent major surgeries from duty during these hours.
The directive didn’t stop there. It recognized the alarming number of heat stroke-related deaths in the state and emphasized the appointment of traffic wardens to assist the officers on the ground. This move aimed to ensure that the workload was shared and that everyone remained safe and healthy.
To further safeguard the traffic police officers, the order also made it mandatory to provide drinking water for them while on duty. Additionally, immediate medical attention was required for any official experiencing chest pain or dizziness, ensuring their well-being was a top priority.
By implementing these guidelines and safety measures, the authorities demonstrated their commitment to the welfare of the traffic constables. They aim to create a safer working environment that prioritizes the officers’ health and ensures they can carry out their duties effectively.