Constable Shivanna is lighter by 14 kg now, compared to his 78 kg in January. This has boosted not just his health and confidence, but also won him a transfer to a police station of his choice.
Shivanna is one among the 16 policemen in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka who got transferred to the police station of their choice during transfer counselling on Wednesday. This was the “incentive” for shedding five or more kilos over the last few months as part of a unique “scheme” launched by their senior officer.
K. Annamalai, Superintendent of Police, had in January called upon his force to maintain physical fitness and announced the incentive of a posting to the station of their choice if they lost weight. Responding to it, 34 constables, head constables and ASIs registered their names and their weight back then.
The SP installed a weighing machine in the front office to help the policemen keep track.
7 kg cut on average
Now, 16 have succeeded with the weight loss programme and shed over five kilos. “The average reduction among those chosen is seven kilogrammes. There are people who reduced more than 10 kg. I am highly impressed,” said a thrilled Mr. Annamalai. Some worked for hours both in the morning and evening to cut flab. Many went swimming, jogging, walking or cycling and did yoga.
The top performer is Shivanna who got posted to Kudremukh. Ravi G.R., who has been posted to Kadur, cut 10 kg from his 96. Sundaresh T.R, posted to Tarikere, also achieved a reduction of 10 kg.
Those who missed this offer by a small margin have requested the officer to give them a second chance.