In an indication that the police who enforce laws against caste discrimination are themselves often victims of the menace, the head of the grievance cell in the force has issued a circular directing authorities to prioritise the allotment of police quarters to personnel who face caste discrimination in securing rented accommodation in Karnataka.

According to the circular issued by ADGP Devajyoti Ray (Grievances and Human Rights), on behalf of the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DGP & IGP), police housing across the State is currently allotted based on seniority. However, concerns were raised during a Government Assurance Committee meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on April 28 regarding caste-based discrimination in rental housing.

Committee’s observation

The committee noted that several police personnel belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were allegedly being denied rental homes on caste grounds. As a result, many were forced to reside in distant areas, affecting their ability to report for duty on time.

In response, the DGP office has instructed all units that if such personnel submit representations stating they are unable to secure rental housing due to caste discrimination, their applications must be verified and examined on priority. Eligible applicants should then be allotted available police quarters on an urgent basis. The directive has been approved by senior officials and communicated to all units concerned for immediate implementation.

Increasing disputes

A senior police officer has flagged a rise in caste-linked disputes in residential areas over the past few years, saying tensions between “upper” and “lower” caste groups appear to be widening. “Complaints are coming from both sides,” the officer said. “Some landlords allege harassment through what they call false cases and prolonged non-payment of rent, while tenants claim discrimination and denial of housing.”

The officer added that in some instances, landlords have begun informally avoiding renting homes to certain communities to “prevent disputes.” Moreover the general perception among the landlords is that they do not want to take police personnel as tenants.

Police Gruha scheme

Recently, Home Minister G. Parameshwara told the media that around 40% of the staff in the department have been allotted quarters and remaining will be done on priority basis under Polie Gruha Scheme.

Many police quarters built during British period called “police lanes” are old and dilapedated condition across the State. Such areas are being vacated and being reconstructed to achieve allocation of 90% of the target.