Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 June 2024
Police stations in Aberdeen and Pahargaon under the South Andaman District Police deals with an overwhelming number of daily complaints. Serving the densely populated Port Blair Municipal Council area and its outskirts, these stations are on the frontline of law enforcement in the region.
Due to the high volume of complaints and a shortage of staff, duty staff at these stations are assigned 12-hour shifts daily, significantly longer than their counterparts at other stations. This extended work schedule is taking a toll on their mental health and family lives.
Sources reveal that the prolonged shifts of duty staff and intense workload are adversely affecting the mental well-being of the police personnel. The officers are struggling to maintain a balance between their demanding job and family responsibilities, leading to strained relationships and personal stress.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an 8-hour shift is the standard across government departments. This schedule allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, contributing to better productivity and personal well-being.
Police officials, who regularly interact with the public, need to remain calm and composed to serve effectively. However, the 12-hour shifts are proving counterproductive, impacting their mental health and ability to perform their duties efficiently.
There is a growing call for the Andaman and Nicobar Police to re-evaluate the current scheduling at high-volume stations like Aberdeen and Pahargaon. Adopting the standard 8-hour shifts could enhance the mental health and job performance of the officials while allowing them more quality time with their families.
Ensuring that duty personnel are not overburdened with excessive hours is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining a high standard of public service. A shift to an 8-hour workday could lead to happier, healthier officers and a more effective police force.