Kerala Govt. to ''standardise procedures'' on police transfers

Kochi, July 8 (UNI) Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said the LDF Government will bring about ''standardised procedures'' regarding transfer of police officers.

Inaugurating the two-day 19th state conference of the Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) here, Mr Balakrishnan said that the transfers would be effected only in the first week of April.

He said talks will also be initiated with the State Public Service Commission for appointment of sub-inspectors and constables.

Referring to the government's decision not to re-promulgate the 'Goonda Ordinance', Mr Balakrishnan said a new bill to replace the ordinance will be brought in the next session of the assembly.

Describing the ordinance as a ''publicity stunt'' of the previous UDF Government, Mr Balakrishnan said no arrests had been made under it.

The LDF Government had decided not to re-promulgate the ordinance because of certain draconian measures contained in it.

He said the government was planning to amend the Kerala Police Departmental Inquiries, Punishment and Appeals rules.

It will also set up a committee to look into pay revision of police personnel. Eight-hour duties would be re-introduced for police personnel and promotions expedited at the constable level, he added.

Mr Jacob Punnose, AGDP, Intelligence, Mr Arun Kumar Sinha, IGP, South Zone, Mr K Padmakumar, DIG, Ernakulam, Mr P Vijayan, Commissioner, Kochi, Mr K Lalji, president, KPOA, and Mr K L Radhakrishnan, state secretary, KPOA, were among those present.

The formal inauguration of the conference was preceded by a medical camp for police personnel. Dr K K Haridas, Chief Cardiologist, Amritha Hospital, spoke on ''Professional Stress and Heart Disease''.

UNI ARC VV MIR KP1831