The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Monday directed the chief secretary (in-charge of Home department) and the DGP Manipur to consider the demand of VDFs and SPOs expeditiously.
Stating the delay in meeting their demands, a complaint was lodged before the Commission by the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association president Md Riyas Khan.
The Commission observed that there are no disputes concerning the appointment of all VDFs/SPOs under Section 17 of the Police Act, 1861 and their status is defined by Section 18 of the Act. There are also no disputes that the VDF Association had already filed their representation for the redressal of their grievances, MHRC observed.
VDFs are demanding regularisation by framing suitable rules and regulations similar to the Police Manual; monthly payment on par with State Police personnel; payment of 13 months’ pay as enjoyed by the State Police personnel and establishment of a separate wing of Bn./Commission/ Department etc.
During the proceedings, the Commission also revealed that the State Home department has sought comments from the State Police department.
After examining the facts and circumstances, the Commission ordered that respondents should consider and making a decision on the demands of the VDFs/SPOs in the light of and taking into consideration of Section 17 and 18 of the Police Act, 1861 read with FR and SR and Articles 14, 16, 21 and 39(a),(d) and (e) of the Constitution of India as expeditiously as possible.
