Desk Of Editor: Civic Volunteers, often called “Civic Police” by many, despite the removal of the “Police” tag, were initially introduced in West Bengal to assist the police force. The origin of this force was rooted in the necessity for additional support to handle various duties such as traffic management and crowd control during large events. Over time, Civic Volunteers have become integral to the state’s law enforcement infrastructure, although not without controversy.
Origin and Evolution of Civic Volunteers in West Bengal
During the Left Front rule in West Bengal, there was no concept of Civic Volunteers. However, in 2008, Kolkata Municipality introduced the “Green Police” to manage traffic in the city. The real growth of the Civic Volunteer force began in 2012. According to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s office, in 2013, the state decided to recruit 40,000 police personnel and an additional 130,000 Civic Volunteers due to insufficient police personnel. Currently, the number of Civic Volunteers stands at 119,916 in West Bengal.
Controversies and Criticism
From the beginning, the Civic Volunteer system has been criticized by opposition parties, who often refer to them as “uniformed cadres” of the ruling party, Trinamool Congress. The controversy escalated when the Bankura District Police employed Civic Volunteers to teach primary school students. Following this, the Kolkata High Court, on March 29, instructed the state’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) to formulate clear guidelines regarding the Civic Volunteers’ role.
Furthermore, Civic Volunteers have faced several allegations, including their involvement in the death of Anis Khan and other incidents of abuse of power. This has led to increased scrutiny from the public and the judicial system alike.
Role and Responsibilities of Civic Volunteers
Initially, Civic Volunteers were recruited on a contractual basis to assist the police in traffic control and crowd management. Each contract is renewed every six months, and volunteers are expected to work at least 20 days per month. The recruitment process for Civic Volunteers mandates a minimum educational qualification of secondary education (10th grade pass), and applicants must be residents of the area where they seek employment.
Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced rewards for outstanding Civic Volunteers and suggested the possibility of permanent employment for them. The Chief Minister’s office revealed that there are numerous vacancies in the constable positions in the state’s police force, which could be filled by well-performing Civic Volunteers, subject to recommendations from higher authorities.
Eligibility and Recruitment Process
To apply for a Civic Volunteer position, candidates must be aged between 20 and 60 years and possess at least an 8th-grade education. The recruitment process is offline, and selected candidates must undergo a two-week training program. Civic Volunteers can never claim permanent government employment status and must meet the criteria of the area-specific police stations.
Salary and Working Conditions
Civic Volunteers in West Bengal earn a monthly salary of INR 9,000. They work eight hours a day for 30 days a month without additional compensation for overtime. They are entitled to 14 casual leaves annually, and in case of illness or accidents, they receive insurance benefits provided by the state government.
Legal and Policy Developments
Recently, the High Court instructed the state to create an official guideline defining the roles and duties of Civic Volunteers, following a case where a young man was allegedly abducted by police and Civic Volunteers, leading to a missing person’s complaint. This, along with other high-profile cases, has placed Civic Volunteers at the center of judicial and public discourse.
Conclusion
The role of Civic Volunteers in West Bengal has evolved over time, from traffic management to becoming an essential support force for the police. Despite controversies and challenges, they remain a crucial element in the state’s law enforcement system. As the state government continues to refine the policies surrounding Civic Volunteers, their responsibilities and potential for permanent employment may soon become more defined.