In a move aimed at reducing caste-based discrimination, the police force in Maharashtra’s Beed district has been instructed to omit their full names from uniforms and desk nameplates. The directive, issued by Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kanwat, marks the first time such a measure has been implemented in the state.
According to a report by , the decision follows heightened tensions in the district after the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in December last year.
Deshmukh, belonging to the Maratha community, was allegedly killed by individuals from the OBC Vanjari community, sparking conflict between the two groups. This incident, coupled with existing disputes over reservation issues, led to the resignation of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde.
Assistant police inspector Sachin Ingale, the spokesperson for Beed police, was quoted as saying that the decision to use only first names on uniforms and nameplates aimed to prevent caste-related clashes and verbal confrontations.
“If a violator from the Maratha community is apprehended by an officer belonging to the OBC community, the violator might allege bias based on the officer’s surname. The same holds true vice versa,” Ingale said.
Community reactions
The community has primarily supported the SP’s decision, calling for its implementation across Maharashtra. Vinod Patil, a member of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, said that removing surnames from police uniforms would help promote neutrality and professionalism within the force. “When the police force becomes independent and is not identified by caste or religion, it will help uphold our Constitution,” Patil stated.
However, members of the OBC community expressed reservations about the move, arguing that it addresses only the symptoms and not the root cause of caste bias within the police force. OBC leader Haribhau Rathod noted that while the intention behind the directive is positive, changing mindsets should be the priority.
“The police should leave their caste at home when donning the uniform. Training sessions are needed to ensure impartiality and professionalism,” he said.
Retired Bombay High Court judge B G Kolse-Patil also voiced his doubts about the measure's effectiveness. He pointed out that the problem lies deeper than just nameplates, alleging that political interests have influenced the police force in Beed.
“Had the police acted promptly in the Santosh Deshmukh case, the murder might have been prevented,” he remarked, highlighting the need for independent and unbiased policing.
Some have seen the measure as progressive, but debate has sparked on whether it is sufficient to address caste discrimination within the police force. While the directive is being welcomed as a positive step, many believe that more fundamental changes, such as training sessions to promote unbiased policing, are necessary to achieve lasting reform.
