Police promotions not solely based on seniority but performance as well: Home Minister Priyank Kharge

Priyank Kharge. | Photo Credit: File photo The government and the Home Department will stand firmly behind police personnel who discharge their duties honestly and within the law, but there will be no protection for those who violate it, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said on Monday. He also said that promotions in future should not be based solely on length of service, but should also take into account performance and the ability to effectively implement government priorities.Addressing more than 800 police personnel, including constables, head constables, assistant sub-inspectors and sub-inspectors from across Karnataka, at a ‘Home Minister with Police Personnel’ interaction programme in Bengaluru, Mr. Kharge warned them against developing links with rowdies and criminals.Beda Bro campaignMr. Kharge directed the police to implement the ‘Beda Bro’ anti-drug campaign in mission mode, particularly against synthetic drugs and ganja. He said local police generally know who consumes and sells drugs in their jurisdictions and which medical shops and pharmacies dispense medicines without valid prescriptions. “It is not right to provide information only when a specific target is given. This is about the future of our children. The fight against drugs cannot be treated as something to be taken up only when targets are assigned,” he said.The Home Minister said drug abuse was contributing to an increase in crime and the problem was no longer confined to Bengaluru, Mangaluru or Belagavi. Even rural areas such as Chittapur and Chincholi have reported ganja cultivation, he said.He also cautioned local police against allowing a situation where police from neighbouring States have to conduct raids here despite local personnel having information about drug-related activities.CybercrimeMr. Kharge also called for a sensitive approach while dealing with complaints involving women, particularly cases of cyberbullying, sextortion and misuse of private photographs and videos. He said consent to take a photograph or record a video cannot be construed as consent to share it publicly. Whenever a woman or her parents approach the police with a complaint or request for help, immediate action must be taken, he said. He noted that cyber fraud, digital arrests, financial crimes, cyberbullying, eve-teasing and sextortion are increasingly being reported even from rural areas.Police welfareThe Home Minister said that the government would formulate a dedicated plan to address the physical and mental health of police personnel. The government would also give special attention to the education and employment prospects of police personnel’s children. “While the government may not be able to guarantee employment, it can guarantee skills that are required for employment,” he said.Around 200 police personnel who attended the interaction reportedly shared their suggestions and concerns on issues including health, promotions, transfers, handcuffs and police medals. Mr. Kharge said every suggestion had been recorded and the government would examine who should be made responsible for addressing each issue and what measures could be taken. Published - August 31, 2026 07:52 pm IST