Mumbai Police Shortage: 30% Deficit in Sanctioned Posts Raises Concerns for City Security
Mumbai, 29th November 2023: The city of Mumbai is facing a significant shortage of police personnel, with the recent revelation that the police force responsible for securing the city is operating with 30 per cent fewer officers than sanctioned posts. However, an interesting twist comes from information obtained under the Right to Information, indicating that there is a surplus of 34 per cent in the police force deployed for the security of the Ministry (Mantralaya) Mumbai.
Mumbai, being a major financial hub with a growing population, requires an adequate police force to manage its security effectively. The data reveals that 20 per cent of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) posts are currently vacant, with 9 out of 42 sanctioned positions unfilled. Additionally, there are 404 vacancies out of 1978 sanctioned posts for Sub Inspectors of Police, crucial for crime investigations.
In contrast to the shortage in the city’s police force, the Ministry’s security detail appears to have 34 per cent more personnel than sanctioned posts. This information raises questions about the allocation of resources, as the city grapples with a shortage of officers responsible for critical roles such as crime investigation and traffic management.
The data further shows a significant shortfall in various departments, including 34 per cent vacancies in the transport department and 47 per cent vacancies in the Financial Crimes Branch. The Mumbai Traffic Police Force has 1326 vacant positions out of 3835 sanctioned posts, affecting the management of traffic in the city.
Jitendra Ghadge, a rights activist, has emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the safety and security of citizens by promptly filling the vacant police positions. The revelation has sparked concerns about the allocation of resources and the impact on essential services provided by the police force in Mumbai.
