The Human Rights Federation's appeal bore fruit: During the Navratri festival, DGP G.S. Malik has ordered the I-Branch to grant police officers and women police staff phased leave and relief.

Gujarat: In an important initiative aimed at enabling police personnel to celebrate Navratri with their families, attention has reportedly been drawn to the need to provide appropriate relief to those who remain on duty to maintain law and order and ensure public safety during the auspicious festival. Following a representation by the Human Rights Federation seeking staggered leave or suitable duty relief for police personnel, particularly women police personnel, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik is reported to have taken cognisance of the issue.

In its representation submitted to the higher authorities, the Human Rights Federation highlighted that police personnel are required to remain on continuous duty to maintain security arrangements during Navratri, often leaving them with little opportunity to participate in festival celebrations with their families. The Federation particularly emphasised the need to consider the professional responsibilities and family commitments of women police personnel and urged the authorities to facilitate staggered leave or suitable relief during the festival.

Instructions to the Police Department’s I Branch: In response to the representation, instructions have reportedly been issued to the Police Department’s I Branch to facilitate staggered leave or appropriate duty relief for police personnel deployed during Navratri, particularly women police personnel.

The stated objective of this arrangement is to enable police personnel to discharge their official responsibilities while also finding time to participate in the worship of Maa Amba and enjoy the traditional Garba festivities with their families.

Maintaining security and public order during Navratri remains an important responsibility of the police administration. At the same time, it is essential to recognise the personal lives, family commitments and human needs of police personnel during festivals. In this context, staggered leave or appropriate adjustments to duty schedules could provide meaningful relief to those serving on the front lines of public safety.

Human Rights Federation Expresses Gratitude: The Human Rights Federation, which raised the issue of police personnel’s rights, human needs and family well-being, has welcomed the reported initiative. The Federation has reportedly expressed its gratitude to Gujarat DGP G.S. Malik and the police administration for considering the matter.

The central objective of the initiative is to ensure that police personnel, who continue to serve and protect citizens even during major festivals, also have an opportunity to observe their religious traditions and spend quality time with their families. However, the actual implementation of staggered leave or duty relief will depend on the relevant official instructions and the arrangements made by the respective local police units.