Mr Constable, The Ph.D., Rises

The Haryana Police Training Centre at Bhondsi in Gurugram district recently witnessed a remarkable moment as 783 new constables passed out. What made headlines was not their drill, discipline or marching skills; it was their educational qualifications. Among them were a Ph.D. holder, eight MBAs, three MTechs, 34 BTechs, six MCAs, eight BCAs, two LLBs, over 30 B.Eds, and more than 200 postgraduates. Police authorities in Haryana proudly claim that this achievement is the outcome of an honest and transparent selection process. In the past, police jobs were auctioned, and the highest bidders got them. It also reflects a deeply rooted cultural attraction for uniformed service in the state. Haryana, historically a part of Punjab, has always been a rich recruiting ground for the Indian Army. Though defence recruitment has become more evenly distributed across states, Haryanvis continue to aspire for careers in the armed, paramilitary, and police forces. Numerous academies across the state, run by NGOs and retired army officers, prepare aspirants for service in the army, paramilitary, and police.

Be that as it may, the reality, however, is more complex. That such highly qualified youth are opting for the job of constable, a post for which the minimum qualification is matriculation, is also an indictment of the unemployment crisis. Educated youth, unable to find jobs matching their skills and qualifications, increasingly view any stable government job as preferable to joblessness. For them, wearing a uniform not only ensures job security but also commands respect in society, especially in rural areas where such jobs still carry prestige. Yet, there is a silver lining. The induction of educated personnel can redefine the very image and efficiency of the police force. The traditional constabulary, known more for muscle than mind, is fast becoming obsolete. The nature of crime today demands mental agility more than physical prowess. Cases of cybercrime, financial fraud, phishing, impersonation, and digital scams require tech-savvy personnel who can handle forensic analysis, mobile tracking, and data retrieval, not just physical chases.

In Western democracies like the US and the UK, there is a single entry point into the police force. Everyone begins as a constable and climbs the ladder through merit and service. In contrast, the Indian system perpetuates a rigid divide among constables, inspectors, and IPS officers, fostering hierarchy over collaboration. The outdated practice of treating constables as mere orderlies must end, especially when some recruits today are better educated than their superiors. The phenomenon in Haryana may stem from a crisis of jobs, but it may also mark the beginning of a more professional and intelligent police force. With PhDs on beat patrol, perhaps the days of “lathi first, questions later” are finally numbered.