Efforts on for providing accomodation to retiring policemen: Patil

Thane, Feb 24 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister R R Patil today said efforts would be made to provide residential accommodation for the retiring police personnel of state police force.

Inaugurating the 21st Maharashtra State Police Sports at the Dadojee Kondev Stadium here, Mr Patil said it was unfortunate to ask the retiring police personnel to return their quarters on the day of retirement. ''We want the policemen, who have given their blood for the security of the citizens, to have a house of their own. Hence, efforts would be made to provide them with the same, '' Patil said.

He said the notification for pay hike for policemen would be issued within the next four days.

Ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lit the sports torch of the event which entered its 100th year. The event was started in 1906. More than 2,000 sportsmen from all over the state will participate in the event which will conclude on February 27.

The star attraction of the function was Kesari, a mascot, depicting a tiger created for the event.

He also announced that certain National-level sportsmen would be recruited directly as officers in the police force and also some deserving policemen would be promoted as officers.

He expressed satisfaction over the exemplary work done by the members of the force, which was being appreciated not only by the Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat governments but also by the Scotland Yard.

Dr P S Pasricha, Director General of Police, thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for providing Rs 2 crore for police sports.

Thane Police commissioner D Shivanandan welcomed the guest.

Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Vasant Davkhare was also present on the occasion.

UNI