Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The state cabinet on Wednesday approved creation of 932 new posts for establishing police band in all districts of the state. The cabinet approved the posts of 10 inspectors, 38 sub inspectors, 72 assistant sub inspectors, 170 head constables and 642 constables.
In August 2024, several police personnel were suspended as they had refused to become part of police band. On December 18, 2023, a circular was issued by police headquarters in Bhopal, which floated the idea of having police band in every battalion.
The circular asked for consent of police personnel from the rank of constable to ASI to perform duties as members of police band. A list of interested officials and employees from the rank of constable to ASI below the age of 45 years was to be prepared. However, certain names were added to the list without their consent.
This sparked dissent as many of them raised voice against listing of their names in the band party. Some of the personnel tried to get relief from Gwalior bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court but to no avail. The court dismissed the petition quoting the famous thinker Thomas Carlyle, “Music is well said to be the speech of angels”.
