Thiruvananthapuram – Former DGP Jacob Punnoos has condoled the demise of CPM Politburo member and former state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. In a note shared on social media, he said that Kodiyeri is a Home Minister who will never be forgotten by the people of Kerala and the Kerala police.
Note from Jacob Punnoos:
The words are written with great sadness. The Home Minister who will never be forgotten by the people of Kerala and the Kerala police! He was the first person in India to give the rank of Head Constable in 15 years and ASI in 23 years to all who were eligible, from the pathetic situation where most of the constables served for 30 years and retired as constables.
Through the Janmaitri Police he operated, policemen became family friends, through the Student Police Cadet Project, policemen became teachers for children and teachers became school police officers. Thousands of veterans in Kerala have been made home guards and helpers to the police and locals. Kerala’s first Thunderbolt Commando Battalion, Coastal Police, established sea-going police boats and Coastal Vigilance Committees comprising fishermen.
He also gave green light to start a virtual queue at Sabarimala. It was Kodiyeri who gave the police the nickname Civil Police Officer, as the police are called today. India’s most comprehensive and democratic Police Act was introduced and implemented in the legislature by no other. It also provided computers in every police station, internet connection in every station and made the computerization of the police an experience for the people.
For traffic awareness, perhaps the first time in the world, a mascot. He also made “Pappu Zebra” the favorite of children all over Kerala!! In 2009, when mobile phones were a prized personal point of pride for senior officers, he was the first in India to provide official mobile connections at the government’s expense to station-employed policemen.
At the same time, he had no merit in enforcing discipline and punishing wrongdoers. A person who made a unique contribution to raising the conduct, quality of service, self-esteem and discipline of the police has left us. I’m very sad to say goodbye.. Greetings!
English Summary: Former DGP Jacob Punnoose Condolences to Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
