Karnataka Police to Fast-Track Housing for SC/ST Officers Facing Caste Bias

Karnataka police have directed all units to fast-track the allotment of police quarters to personnel from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who face caste-based discrimination in securing rental housing. The order, issued by ADGP Devajyoti Ray on behalf of the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police, mandates verification and urgent processing of applications from affected officers.

The directive follows concerns raised at a Government Assurance Committee meeting on April 28, where it was reported that SC/ST police personnel were being denied rented homes on caste grounds, forcing them to live far from duty stations and affecting punctuality. The DGP office has approved the measure, requiring all units to implement the prioritization immediately for verified cases.

A senior police officer noted a rise in caste-linked residential disputes in recent years, with landlords sometimes avoiding tenants from certain communities to prevent conflict. Some landlords also expressed reluctance to rent to police personnel altogether, citing fears of false harassment cases or rent disputes.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that about 40% of police staff have been allotted quarters under the Polie Gruha Scheme, with the remainder to be addressed on priority. Old 'police lanes' from the British era are being reconstructed to meet a target of 90% housing allocation across the state.

The DGP's office will monitor compliance with the new directive, and district police officials are required to submit periodic reports on housing allotments to the grievances cell. The circular remains in effect until further orders.