LAHORE: Punjab police chief Dr Usman Anwar has placed a ban on awarding departmental punishments to police officials in violation of the Standing Order of the Discipline Matrix and directed all the regional and district police officers to follow it in letter and spirit. With a warning to RPOs, DPOs and other senior police officers, the IGP circulated the standing order following complaints of the junior police officers against their seniors. So far, 40 per cent of the total Punjab police force has been awarded various minor and major punishments.The issue surfaced when Dr Usman held a series of meetings with officers and all rank and file of his force, including DSPs, inspectors, sub-inspectors, at the Central Police Office (CPO).
The official said the low-ranked policemen told the IGP how they were ‘targeted’ by their seniors when they refused to follow their unlawful orders and in return they were awarded major and multiple punishments. Some cases were also put up before the IGP wherein the sub-inspectors were demoted to the ranks of constable following “multiple punishments against minor mistakes.” As a result, the IGP called a meeting of senior police officers concerned to devise a new strategy to address the chronic issue haunting the police force, the official said.
He added the IGP was told about the Standing Order of the Discipline Matrix issued in 2019, saying that it was generated to address such complaints. The IGP was told that the senior command of the police in Punjab was not following it in letter and spirit. He said the primary purpose of disciplinary matrix was to enhance consistency and fairness in disciplinary proceedings. The disciplinary matrix helped in communicating the values, policies, priorities, and performance standards of the organisation effectively. The main goal for disciplinary proceedings should remain reformatory and application of penalties should be uniform and in a consistence manner, he said adding that the standing order has clearly elaborated five various categories of punishments from level 1 to five.
“The punishment should be for correction and not because of personal grudge or dislike,” the IGP said adding that the practice of giving major punishments to subordinates for minor mistakes would be taken as clear violation of the discipline matrix.The IGP said in case an official abused a citizen, exceeded his powers or duties and If he/she was found guilty of negligence, the officer should punish him after holding a detailed inquiry. He warned that awarding more than one punishments in the same orderly room would be considered highly inappropriate and sheer violation of the discipline matrix. Dr Usman Anwar also issued directions to the RPOs and DIGs to take merit-based decisions on the appeals submitted by subordinate staff.
(Daily Dawn)
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