Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. File Image | Photo credit: PTI
The state government will fill up 8,000 vacancies in the police department as per the announcement made in this year’s budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured on Sunday (March 29, 2026).
At the parade of the 46th batch of sub-inspectors of police (civilian) trainees at the Karnataka Police Academy (KPA) in Mysuru, Mr Siddaramaiah said the government had filled 4,911 vacancies in the department in the last three years, including 327 sub-inspectors who were inducted on Sunday.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fill 8,000 vacant posts in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mr. Siddaramaiah urged the police officials to serve the society with integrity and honesty and said police officers need not worry about their family members while on duty.
Build a drug-free society
Mr. Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s commitment to build a drug-free society and urged the police to take action against those involved in the manufacture and sale of narcotics within their jurisdiction.
He warned that drugs have a devastating effect on the youth and that the welfare of society cannot be maintained without eliminating this menace. “An honest effort in this direction is necessary,” he said.
According to him, the police should under no circumstances compromise in the administration of justice. According to him, discipline, restraint, honesty and humanity are essential in the police service.
Considering the caste structure in the society, Mr. Siddaramaiah said it was the responsibility of the police to protect the poor, Dalits, women and other vulnerable sections of the society.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said that true freedom is achieved only when women can move freely at midnight without fear. Every individual in society must have access to economic and social equality. “Therefore, the police must uphold justice without compromise and ensure protection and equal opportunities for all,” he said.
Pointing out that police officers function as representatives of the government, he said their primary responsibility is to maintain law and order.
Humanity
He also advised police officers to act humanely and maintain a friendly attitude towards the public.
He, however, said there was no need for the police to show any leniency towards criminals, while compassion must be extended to the innocent.
He also pointed out that training should be a permanent and integral part of their professional lives and stressed the importance of using the training they have received to curb cybercrime and other newer forms of crime.
Quoting BR Ambedkar, Mr Siddaramaiah said a just society cannot be built if power remains concentrated in the hands of a few. The rich may try to abuse their financial influence, but the police must not succumb to such temptations, he warned.
Published – 29 March 2026 15:14 IST
