The DGP’s office has directed all units that if workers submit declarations that they are unable to secure rental accommodation due to caste discrimination, their applications must be verified and reviewed on priority.
In a sign that the police, who enforce anti-caste discrimination laws, are themselves often victims of the menace, the head of the force’s complaints cell issued a circular directing authorities to prioritize allotment of police quarters to personnel facing caste discrimination in securing rented accommodation in Karnataka.
According to a circular issued by ADGP Devajyoti Ray (Grievances and Human Rights), on behalf of the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP & IGP), police accommodation in the state is currently allotted on the basis of seniority. However, during a meeting of the Government Assurance Committee held at Vidhana Soudha on 28 April, concerns were raised about caste-based discrimination in rental housing.
Committee Observations
The committee noted that several policemen belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were allegedly denied rental houses on caste grounds. As a result, many were forced to reside in remote areas, affecting their ability to report for duty on time.
In response, the DGP has directed all units that if these workers submit declarations that they are unable to secure rental housing due to caste discrimination, their applications must be verified and reviewed on priority. Eligible applicants should then be allocated available police premises without delay. The directive was approved by senior officials and communicated to all concerned units for immediate implementation.
Growing disputes
A senior police officer pointed to an increase in caste-related disputes in residential areas over the past few years and said tensions between the “upper” and “lower” caste groups appeared to be widening. “Complaints are coming from both sides,” the officer said. “Some landlords report harassment through what they call false cases and prolonged non-payment of rent, while tenants claim they are being discriminated against and denied housing.”
The officer added that in some cases, landlords have begun to informally avoid renting homes to certain communities to “prevent disputes.” In addition, there is a general opinion among landlords that they do not want to take police officers as tenants.
Gruha Police Schemes
Home Minister G. Parameshwara recently told the media that around 40% of the staff in the department have been allotted quarters and the remaining will be done on priority under the Polie Gruha programme.
Many police quarters built during the British period called “Police Lanes” are old and in poor condition across the state. Such areas are released and reconstructed in such a way as to achieve an allocation of 90% of the target.
Published – 06 May 2026 21:34 IST
