The struggle to get promotion in the Goa Police Department has a long drawn history. The promotions for eligible Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) have been kept on hold for many years, weakening enthusiastic officers and affecting their performance. The typical promotion path for PSIs goes to Inspector, requiring seniority and good performance, but current delays stem from bureaucratic issues, affecting many experienced officers waiting for the next rank. What’s worse is that they are nearing their retirement age. While morale in the force is at a low, the younger Police Sub Inspectors (PSIs) are worried about meeting the same fate. With direct recruitment to these posts also stalled, resulting in significant frustration and demotivation within the ranks of the Goa Police. Instead, the department should fill up the existing posts. With the delay in promotions, the department is taking away their opportunity to be eligible for exams to create avenues for promotion. Most of the police stations in Goa are facing shortage of staff at various levels. Moreover the GPS rules are arbitrary and irrational as the promotional avenues of the departmental PIs are adversely affected.
