MLAs demand better facilities for vital police stations reeling under neglect

Team Herald

PORVORIM: The miserable conditions of some of the state’s vital police stations, coupled with a shortage of staff and vehicles, were discussed at length on the third day of the monsoon session of the state assembly.

Nuvem MLA AleixoSequeira was among the opposition MLAs who highlighted the plight of the policemen, particularly lower-ranking personnel. “I give credit to my friend Aires (Rodrigues) because of whom the conditions of the lower police staff have improved. Having said that, there is still a lot that needs to be done for the constables. Police housing facilities and buildings are in a pathetic condition,” he said, urging the government to ensure proper living conditions for lower-ranking policemen.

Speaking on the demands for grants, Sequeira pointed out to certain police stations where constables do not even have proper seating facility and eateries are far from their working zones. “Land acquisitions are being made for setting up new police stations, but the government should prioritise the facilities and then shift the police stations to a new place. Basic amenities such as toilet facilities and provision for meals and snacks should also be taken care of,” Sequeira added.

Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldesai brought to the notice of the House the dilapidated condition of the Old Goa police station. Besides the small size of the station, which caters to a population of over a lakh, he pointed out to pitiable condition in which the constables there are stationed. “Four constables sit on one bench,” he said. The first-time legislator also sought additional outposts for Divar and St Estevam.

Many MLAs also demanded effective marine patrolling.

Mapusa BJP MLA Joshua D’Souza sought additional staff at Mapusa police station and replacement of the policemen who have been transferred. “The police station handles over 300 cases annually and, in most cases, police sub-inspectors are the investigating officers. Recently, five PSIs were transferred to other police stations, but their replacements are still awaited,” he said.

D’Souza further sought police patrolling bikes as the ground staff presently use their personal motorbikes for patrolling.

Sequeira also sought additional vehicles for patrolling while slamming some police officers misusing government vehicles for their personal use.

Meanwhile, St Cruz Congress MLA Rudolf Fernandes raised apprehensions over the deployment of armed personnel in one part of his constituency. He said he was unaware why the deployment was suddenly needed, and refused to accept reasons from the department that it was for a “routine check-up”.