Karnataka police chief orders mandatory leave for officers on birthdays and anniversaries

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In a directive that bridges the gap between rigid duty rosters and private life, Karnataka’s Director General of Police, MA Salim, has ordered all unit commanders to grant mandatory casual leave to police personnel on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

The order, issued in a circular on Thursday, frames the policy as a critical measure to improve morale and mental well-being within a force perpetually operating under high-pressure conditions.

The circular explicitly instructs that leave must be granted “without fail” to any officer or staff member requesting time off for these occasions. This move shifts the discretion from individual supervisors to a binding statewide mandate, ensuring personnel can reliably plan for personal celebrations.

Salim’s directive grounds itself in the intense emotional and professional demands of policing. The circular states that personnel working “under difficult conditions to ensure public safety and law enforcement” require recognition of their personal sacrifices.

It argues that allowing time to celebrate key milestones enables officers to “recharge emotionally, spend quality time with family and maintain a balance between duty and personal life.” The police chief directly links this “humanitarian” consideration to institutional efficacy.

According to the circular, the policy is designed to boost morale, reduce stress and increase job satisfaction, which in turn is expected to “improve productivity.” The order further posits that such recognition builds loyalty, strengthens commitment and contributes to “better discipline and performance in the service.”

By mandating leave for personal milestones, the Karnataka police leadership is attempting to formally acknowledge the often-overlooked human element within the force.