Proposed Salary Enhancement for Grade-II Constables
Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission Recommends Pay Hike, Mental Health Support, and Recruitment Reforms: The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission has suggested a revised pay structure for Grade-II constables, aligning their salaries with police forces under the Union Government and other states. Currently earning between ₹18,200 and ₹52,900, these personnel may soon see an increased salary band of ₹21,700 to ₹69,100. This revision seeks to bring equity across law enforcement sectors and will include provisions for updating allowances in line with the cost-of-living index.
Changes to Eligibility and Language Preference
The commission has advised raising the minimum educational qualification for constable recruitment from a Class X pass to Class XII or equivalent. For the 20% Tamil Medium preference quota, applicants must have completed all 12 years of schooling in Tamil medium, ensuring that the candidates truly represent the Tamil-speaking population.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns in the Police Force
The report draws urgent attention to the mental health crisis among police personnel, with increasing cases of suicides, especially among constables and head constables. It proposes the continuation and expansion of the Police Wellbeing Programme in collaboration with NIMHANS, Bengaluru, along with regular psychological assessments and maintenance of mental health records at the Superintendent of Police level.
Early Intervention and Preventive Strategies
To curb psychological distress, the commission has recommended a preventive framework that identifies officers who are at risk due to habits like smoking, alcohol use, or drug abuse. These individuals would undergo counselling sessions, receive timely medical referrals, and benefit from structured mental health interventions. The approach also supports work-life balance, health education, and boosting self-worth, aligning the force with modern professional expectations.
Structure of the Commission
The Fifth Police Commission was constituted by the Tamil Nadu Government in January 2022 and is headed by Justice C.T. Selvam, a retired Madras High Court judge. The panel comprises experienced professionals, including former IAS and IPS officers, psychiatrists, and academic experts. Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a senior IPS officer, serves as the member secretary, contributing valuable field insights to the panel’s deliberations.
Helplines for Suicide Prevention and Psychological Aid
Recognizing the urgent need for mental health support within the police system, the commission has shared key helpline numbers for suicide prevention and counselling. These include the State Health Helpline (104), Tele-MANAS service (14416), and Sneha’s 24/7 helpline (044-24640050). These services offer confidential, accessible mental health care for police personnel in distress.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Details |
| Current Pay Scale (Grade-II Constables) | ₹18,200 to ₹52,900 |
| Recommended Pay Scale | ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 |
| Minimum Qualification (Revised) | Class XII or equivalent |
| Tamil Medium Quota Rule | Tamil medium schooling from Class I to XII |
| Commission Setup Year | January 2022 |
| Commission Chairperson | Justice C.T. Selvam |
| Mental Health Partner | NIMHANS, Bengaluru |
| Suicide Prevention Helplines | 104 (State), 14416 (Tele-MANAS), 044-24640050 (Sneha) |
