Additional Director-General of Police of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), Bhaskar Rao, has just banned pot bellies.
His recent injunction states that Karnataka police personnel should either lose their pot bellies or face suspension. They’ll just have to get healthy, he says. But he’s also ensuring they get some hand-holding, with diet, exercise, and mental health programmes.
At his office on Nrupatunga Road, the trim Rao, explains why he decided to bring about change in the first place. He walks the talk: known to be a fitness fan, last year he cycled for 14 days across Karnataka with police personnel. “During the last one-and-a-half years, 154 people in the police force have passed away: 24 in road accidents, nine due to suicides, and the rest due to lifestyle diseases, which includes fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and kidney problems. This is because of their poor dietary habits,” he says, adding “Most people eat rice in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.”
To correct their food habits, Rao says they have spoken to dieticians. “Our commanders have consulted local agricultural institutes, promoting ragi , jowar , bajra , and foxtail millet. Karnataka is known as the millet capital of the country. We are asking them to give a demonstration of these kinds of food on our campus.”
Rao adds that low levels of activity have also led to poor health. “That is why we have introduced compulsory running for the younger ones. For those who are older, there’s brisk walking and yoga.”
Plus, he’s introduced swimming. “We have swimming sessions in 16 pools across Bengaluru.”
The families of the police personnel have also been roped in as a strong support system, and Rao says, “Because most of the police personnel who have passed away are in the age group of 45 to 55. This is the time when their families need them the most as they are generally the only earning member of the family.”
To ensure good mental health, counsellors are on board. They recently conducted a painting programme. “Now, I am conducting another programme for Sufi music and Christmas carols. We are introducing such things to keep our personnel engaged. This is also for the striking force, because they are not striking for 24 hours. But when they do strike, they need to be alert and agile.”
He says the nature of crimes has also changed, including cyber and financial crimes, so the police force has to deal with intelligent opponents, requiring both mental and physical stamina.
Understanding that tobacco de-addiction also must be on the agenda, Rao says they are working with the de-addiction centre at NIMHANS and other centres outside Bengaluru. “All this is being done in the interest of the health of the personnel, and for the benefit of citizens. The police need to be fit to be able to protect the citizens. An unfit policeman is a liability,” Rao concludes.
