Government to fill up 8,000 vacant posts in police department this year: Siddaramaiah

The State Government will fill up 8,000 vacant posts in the police department as per the announcement made in this year’s Budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured on Sunday (March 29, 2026).

Addressing the passing out parade of the 46th batch of trainee Sub Inspectors of Police (Civil) at Karnataka Police Academy (KPA) in Mysuru, Mr Siddaramaiah said the Government had filled up 4,911 vacant posts in the department last three years including the 327 sub inspectors, who were inducted into service on Sunday.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to fill 8,000 vacant posts in the home department.

Calling upon the police officials to serve the society with integrity and honesty, Mr Siddaramaiah said the officers need not worry about their family members while they are on duty.

Build a drug-free society

Emphasising the Government’s commitment to building a drug-free society, Mr Siddaramaiah called upon the police personnel to take action against those involved in the manufacture and sale of narcotics within their jurisdictions. 

He warned that drugs have a devastating impact on youth and that society’s well-being cannot be preserved without eliminating this menace. “Honest efforts in this direction are essential”, he said.

He said the police should not compromise under any circumstances in the delivery of justice. Discipline, restraint, honesty and humanity are essential in police service, he said.

In view of the caste-based structure in the society, Mr Siddaramaiah said it is the responsibility of the police to protect the poor, Dalits, women and other vulnerable sections of the society.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said that true freedom is achieved only when women can move freely at midnight without fear. Every individual in society must have access to economic and social equality. “Therefore, police must uphold justice without compromise and ensure protection and equal opportunities for all”, he said.

Pointing out that the police personnel function as representatives of the government, he said their primary responsibility is to maintain law and order.

Humanity

He also advised the police personnel to act with humanity and maintain a friendly approach towards the public. 

However, he said there is no need for the police to show any leniency towards criminals while compassion must be extended to the innocent.

He also pointed out that training should be a continuous and integral part of their professional life and stressed the importance of utilizing the training they underwent to curb cybercrime and other newer forms of crime.

Quoting B. R. Ambedkar, Mr Siddaramaiah said a just society cannot be built if power remains concentrated in the hands of a few. The wealthy may attempt to misuse their financial influence, but police must not succumb to such temptations, he cautioned.