Karnataka Police department has made it official that officers need time to "recharge emotionally" as in their last round of major morale-boosting act. DGP M.A. Saleem issued a new circular telling all unit officers across the state to give required leave to police on the two crucial days of their lives: birthdays and their wedding anniversaries.
Putting Mental Health & Morale First
The circular makes clear that the law and order, traffic control, and security workplace has the potential to trigger serious psychological stress and high blood pressure and often be a divorce from family life. Through this formal leave, the department seeks to:
- Diminish Stress: Giving officers the opportunity to step away from high-stress situations.
- Emotional Recharge: Spending quality time with your spouse and children on the way to getting well.
- Improving job satisfaction results in better public interaction.
- Forcing to obey the law is best done in accordance with the Humanitarian Model of Policing.
Karnataka DGP issues a circular stating that Police personnel be given compulsory leave to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2026
"...Taking leave on these special days helps officers and personnel to recharge emotionally, spend quality time with family and maintain a balance… pic.twitter.com/ywn28ScgdI
The DGP’s order emphasizes:
“This is not just a policy change but a ‘humanitarian act’.” They know that when they respect members’ personal lives, the force demonstrates more dedication. “Taking up leave on these special days helps officers and personnel recharge emotionally... By extending relief in recognition of their sacrifices, this humanitarian effort helps cultivate loyalty and strengthen the resolve of the police,” the circular asserts.
Full Application in All Ranks
The directive is to be executed by all personnel, from Constable to senior officers. These leaves have been provided to unit officers as a non-permanent entitlement, "without fail" when requested from the service register reports. The initiative is in response to previously successful but fragmented trials in Bengaluru South and HSR Layout, and has become a permanent implementation at the state level.
Following National Precedents
With this step, Karnataka adds to the elite of police institutions like Delhi Police, Coimbatore City Police and Kochi City Police among others which have enacted similar welfare leave policies. The Karnataka Police force is adopting this shift, which has set the precedent for other states to consider more than simply providing a uniform being worn whilst on duty, but rather people with essential family ties and human emotional needs.
