The Maharashtra government is embarking on a major police recruitment drive and the process to induct 15,000 personnel will soon be initiated to augment security in the state, which faces terror and Naxal threats.
"The government will recruit 15,000 police personnel soon so that the burden on the existing force reduces a bit," Home Minister R R Patil said on Sunday.
He was talking to reporters at the inauguration of a police gymnasium at Naigaum in central Mumbai.
The minister said the government would offer full cooperation for the welfare to the families of the forces.
"We will undertake necessary measures for the benefit of the police force and their family members," Patil said.
Emphasising on fitness of policemen, he said, "It is important for you all to remain healthy both physically and mentally so that you can perform better and give your best. We will be opening up more such gymnasiums in the city to ensure proper fitness."
Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan said the gymnasiums would help policemen, who undergo erratic working hours and irregular diets, to maintain their standard weight.
Talking about the future plans, Sivanandan said a five-star kitchen would be set up within two months and the proper meal under the guidance of nutritionists will be supplied to the personnel on duty.
"There is a Rs 18-crore proposal for setting up schools in Mumbai, where children of the policemen can get quality education at a nominal fee," he added.
