Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada: October 21 is observed as Police Martyrs Memorial Day to honor police personnel who have laid down their lives in the fight against anti-social elements. This year, two police officers from our state made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
On October 21, 1959, a CRPF patrol led by DSP Karam Singh was ambushed by Chinese forces at Hot Springs, Ladakh, resulting in the deaths of 10 jawans who fought bravely at an altitude of 16,000 feet under extremely harsh conditions. In remembrance of their sacrifice, October 21 is commemorated each year as Police Martyrs Memorial Day nationwide, paying tribute to all police personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty.
The commemoration events, beginning on October 21, 2024, will conclude on National Unity Day, October 31, 2024, and will be observed across police battalions, colleges, and centers. During these days, the police will engage in various activities to raise public awareness about the sacrifices made by their colleagues for the nation’s security.
A commemorative parade will be held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, Vijayawada, on October 21, where the names of police personnel who died in service over the past year will be read aloud in their honor. Senior police officers have also visited the families of the deceased, addressing any issues they may have and ensuring they receive necessary medical assistance.
As part of the police welfare scheme, contributions from police personnel range from Rs.135 for constables to inspectors and Rs.200 for higher ranks. Both personnel and their families can access medical treatment from 283 recognized hospitals in Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. Those needing inpatient cares or other medical support can receive assistance from these facilities.
The welfare scheme, established under the Societies Act in 1997 and named the “Andhra Pradesh Police Department Employees Benevolent and Tribute Mutual Association,” continues to offer valuable services to police personnel under the direct supervision of the DGP of Andhra Pradesh. Employees contribute a monthly subscription of Rs.1000 (PC to ASI) and Rs.2000 (SI and above officers), which is repayable with 5% interest at the time of retirement. These funds can be used for housing, marriage, education, and personal loans, such as for the higher education of their children.
Additional welfare measures have been implemented for police officers, including an increase in accidental death insurance from Rs.75 lakh to Rs.1 crore, while ex gratia payments for natural deaths have risen from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.15 lakh. For home guards, the government provides Rs.5 lakh as ex gratia in the event of death and Rs.10,000 for funeral expenses for those who die in the line of duty.
The Police Martyrs Commemoration Parade in Andhra Pradesh will be held at 7:30 am on October 21, 2024, at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, Vijayawada. The Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister will attend, and a two-minute silence will be observed to honor the fallen. The names of martyrs from various state and central paramilitary forces will be read out in recognition of their sacrifices.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, SBI disbursed Rs.14 crore as ex gratia to 132 families of deceased police personnel under the Police Salary Package (PSP). Additionally, Rs.4.70 crore has been allocated to 22 police units for the enhancement of CPC canteens, benefiting police families.
Insurance coverage for officers from constables to DGP level, ranging from Rs.20 lakh to Rs.45 lakh under the GPAI scheme, will be reinstated this year after a two-year hiatus due to administrative issues. Efforts have also been made to provide transport facilities for men and women reporting for duty at district headquarters.
The funds raised through the sale of flags and stickers on Martyrs Memorial Day will be utilized for the rehabilitation of injured or deceased police personnel, scholarships for their children’s education (from Class 1 to PG), and tuition, clothing, and boarding charges. These funds will also support the maintenance of two police boys’ homes in Nellore and Guntur. During the 2023-2024 year, Rs.3.20 crore was sanctioned for merit-based scholarships to 1,733 children of police personnel. The Andhra Pradesh Police also conducts various welfare programs through the Welfare Fund, Education Fund, and Widow Fund.
An additional Rs.2.50 crore has been allocated by the AP Police Welfare Association to assist the 200 families of police personnel who died during 2023-2024 with incidental expenses.
A permanent Police Martyrs Memorial is currently under construction at the Police Headquarters.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
