Shape Up Or March Out, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Cops Told

Bhubaneswar: Twin City Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi has cracked the whip on physical fitness of the personnel of his department, warning them of getting the boot for failing to shape up within the deadline.

In an official order, Sarangi told all police personnel under Commissionerate Police to get back in shape within three months or retire from the service.

“Taking a lesson from the COVID-19 situation, we need to take care of our health by bringing changes in our lifestyle. While undergoing training after joining the service, our employees are very enthusiastic about physical fitness. Afterwards, their fitness degrades for which they suffer from various life-threatening ailments like hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Since persons with co-morbid conditions are more vulnerable to COVID-19, the police personnel with other health complications need to be more careful,” the order stated.

Altogether 8,000 personnel work under the Commissionerate Police. Hectic and erratic work schedules Owing to staff shortage in most police stations, the personnel have a hectic work schedule.

“We might even see some new kind of virus attack in future and have to be prepared for any eventuality. A police officer should always be fit and active,” the Police Commissioner said.

The order said all the employees will undergo mandatory height and weight test next week. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) will be recorded.

They will be guided on what measures to follow to have a healthy lifestyle and attain the BMI as per height and age. This process will continue till July 30.

After three months, the personnel found having BMI above 30 would attend a mandatory six-week refresher course. Anybody failing to follow the fitness formula will face stopping of the increment or retirement, the order stated.