One Rank, One Pension; One Nation, One Ration Card; One Nation, One Fertiliser and now ‘One Nation, One Uniform For Police’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th October 2022, made a proposal for ‘One Nation, One Uniform’ for police while addressing a “Chintan Shivir” of state home ministers.
The Prime Minister of India suggested the idea of “One Nation, One Uniform” for Indian police forces while addressing the first Chintan Shivir (brainstorming session) of state home ministers and top police officers. He stated that the ‘One Nation, One Uniform’ for police is just an idea. The Union government is not trying to impose.
He suggested that all the states should think it over. His suggestion is in line with his more comprehensive attempt to introduce a uniform set of policies across the country. Recently, the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers announced to implementation of the “One Nation One Fertiliser” scheme.
In 2019, Union Government introduced the “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme. PM repeatedly suggested the implementation of “One Nation, One Election”, and adopting a single voter list for all polls.
What Is One Nation, One Uniform For Police ?
As the name suggests, the proposal seeks for one uniform across state police departments in the country. So far, all states’ police departments have separate police uniforms. PM Modi said the identity of state police across the country can be identical. All the state police across the country will have same uniform under the ‘One Nation, One Uniform’ for police.
Present Status
Police personnel in India are usually associated with khaki colour uniforms, which also differ in varying degrees in different regions.State governments decide on the uniform. For example:
The Kolkata Police wear white uniforms.
Puducherry Police constables wear bright red caps with their khaki uniforms.
Delhi Traffic Police personnel wear white and blue uniforms.
When Will It Be Imposed ?
There is no specific time when the ‘one nation, one uniform for police’ will be imposed. PM Modi had only proposed the idea and made it clear that he was not trying to impose it. He said the ‘One nation, One Uniform’ for police is just an idea and asked states to consider the proposal. He said it can come into force in five or 50 or 100 years.
“The ‘One Nation, One Uniform’ for police is just an idea. I am not trying to impose it on you. Just give it a thought. It may happen, it may happen in five, 50, or 100 years. But let’s give it a thought,” PM Modi said.
Way Forward
The Indian Constitution puts police forces under the jurisdiction of state governments, and each of the 28 states has its police force. Both ‘public order’ and the ‘police’ are placed under the State List.
Currently, it is unclear how the Prime Minister’s suggestion would be implemented even if the state government were to take it seriously.