Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah distributed new blue peak caps to police personnel at a ceremony held in the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall on Monday, stating that “merely changing uniforms or caps will not bring change — what matters is dedication and performance.” The event was organized by the Department of Home Affairs, where the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and the Sanmitra Programme.
Speaking at the function, Siddaramaiah said that the old caps had been in use for nearly seven decades, and complaints were frequently received about their design and quality. “The new cap, though blue in color, has been designed in line with the caps worn by senior officers,” he explained. “It will enhance your confidence and self-esteem,” he added.
Highlighting the achievements of the state police, the Chief Minister noted that Karnataka Police secured the top rank in the ‘India Justice Index’, which, he said, is a matter of pride for the entire state. He also emphasized the crucial responsibility of the police in making Karnataka a drug-free state.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also attended the event, described the introduction of the new cap for constables as a “historic decision.” He remarked, “Soldiers protect our borders, while police personnel are the protectors of our safety within the country.”
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara informed that the proposal to introduce new caps for constables had been under consideration since 2015, and after reviewing the caps used in several other states, the Chief Minister personally selected the new blue design.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced the formation of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force aimed at eliminating the menace of drugs from the state. Additionally, guidelines were issued for a new health scheme for police personnel and a compensation scheme for the families of martyred officers.
Among those present were the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Nasir Ahmed, MLA Rizwan Arshad, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Director General of Police Dr. A.M. Saleem, and several other senior officials.
