The Karnataka Police has introduced a new welfare-oriented measure allowing its officers and staff to avail casual leave on their birthdays and wedding anniversaries, with the objective of improving work-life balance and raising morale across the force. The decision was communicated through an official circular.
The order was issued by Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police, M. A. Saleem, who acknowledged the intense and demanding nature of police duties. The circular stresses that personnel often operate under pressure-filled conditions to maintain law and order, which frequently limits the time they can devote to their families and personal lives.
By permitting leave on meaningful personal occasions, the department aims to give personnel an opportunity to emotionally refresh themselves and spend valuable time with loved ones. The directive recognises that such breaks can help officers reconnect with family, regain emotional energy, and return to duty with a more positive mindset.
The communication further explains that celebrating milestones like birthdays and anniversaries can play a role in supporting mental well-being, lowering stress levels, and preventing burnout. It notes that when personnel feel supported in their personal lives, it can translate into higher job satisfaction and stronger motivation at work.
Describing the move as a compassionate and humane step, the circular highlights that it is also a way to acknowledge the personal sacrifices made by police personnel in the line of duty. It links improved well-being with better discipline, sharper efficiency, and stronger overall performance in service.
All unit heads across Karnataka have been instructed to put the order into practice and to approve leave requests made for these occasions whenever feasible. The initiative is being seen as an attempt to make the policing environment more supportive and people-centric, especially in a profession known for long hours, constant readiness, and high-stress situations.
Through this step, the department seeks to create a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, enabling personnel to mark important life events without feeling disconnected from their families.
