Staying fit must for cops, take up physical activity daily: Kolkata top cop
Times of India | 31 January 2025
Kolkata: The Commissioner of Police (Kolkata), Manoj Verma, has emphasised the importance of physical fitness for police officers, stating it is a ‘requirement' for them. He also encouraged officers to dedicate time a couple of hours or at least an hour daily to engage in sports or any other physical activity like brisk walking or running. Verma made this comment while addressing the opening ceremony of Kolkata Police Sports Day.
"Physical fitness is important, not just for those participating here but also for those who are not participating for some reason. Physical fitness is important for us. It is required. Try to take out one to two hours out of your daily schedules for physical activities. It will help you to stay fit," said Verma.
Although the top officer avoided any controversy, the city force has often faced criticism for having officers with pot bellies. Recently, however, lower-ranking officers are being actively encouraged to stay fit. Gym equipment now forms a part of annual police tenders, and the city police have won multiple accolades in national championships. Senior officers, led by IPS officers, are taking to the roads and cycling, with some known to follow strict morning routines before starting work. One top officer, for example, avoids sugar entirely.
However, senior officers lament how a shortage of staff has increased work pressure, reducing time for physical exercises. "Ever since being transferred to the traffic wing, I have forgotten my morning walk," said an ACP. The commissioner's message took many back to 2017 when, in response to a PIL, a Calcutta High Court division bench asked the state govt to prepare and submit a report on the ‘physical and mental fitness' of Kolkata policemen. Once likened to Scotland Yard, the city police force has indeed left much to be desired in terms of their physical attributes, which were not exactly conducive to chasing criminals, the court observed seven years ago.
"It was a wake-up call. While some progress has been made, a lot remains to be done," said a senior officer at Lalbazar.