Shape Up Or Go: Assam’s Government’s Directive to Obese Cops

The DGP of Assam in compliance with the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has given three months time to all police personnel, including IPS and APS officers to ensure that they are physically fit to serve in the police force and do not have obesity.

The DGP, G P Singh said that all police personnel, irrespective of ranks will have to undergo a body mass index (BMI) assessment from August 16 onwards. Those who will be found in the obese category (BMI 30+) will be given another three months time to reduce their weight and make themselves physically fit for services. Leading by example, he said that he would be the first to undergo the BMI assessment on August 16.

Singh also said that those who will be found with obesity even after the second chance, expect genuine medical grounds will be offered voluntary retirement.

The decision was taken to remove deadwood from the police force, who are habitual drinkers, excessively obese and have corruption cases against them.

On May 8, DGP Singh had said that the Assam police is verifying a list of 680 police personnel of all ranks, who who were identified as either habitual drinkers, excessive obese or have corruption cases against them. He had also said that the list was under consideration to ensure that the removal of deadwood does not go unjustified.

He further appealed to the police personnel to lead by example in terms of physical fitness required in the force. All new recruits have been given orientation on the need for physical fitness.