The Punjab government has decided to limit the tenure of police munshis (MHCs) at a single station to two years. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema announced this significant step on Monday.
No More Long Postings
Cheema said that no munshi would be allowed to stay at one police station for over two years. The rule applies across the state.
On Monday, the government transferred 191 munshis who had exceeded the two-year limit.
Part of the Anti-Corruption Drive
This move is part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s anti-corruption campaign. According to Cheema, long postings create unhealthy familiarity and open doors to corrupt practices. The government wants to break this pattern.
Action Echoes Past Crackdown
This is not the first time the state has taken bold action. In June 2024, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the transfer of 10,000 police personnel from border areas to curb their possible links with drug smugglers.
Though many of those officers were later reinstated, the message was clear: corruption and collusion would not be tolerated.
Similar Steps in the Revenue Department
Cheema also pointed to earlier action taken by the revenue department. The government had transferred several Tehsildars and Patwaris under similar allegations of corruption.
Targeting the Drug Nexus
CM Mann linked the new move to his government’s fight against drugs.
“There’s a nexus at the munshi level,” Mann said. “SHOs are sitting in the same police station for 10 to 20 years. That creates a system of compromise.”
Mann warned of strict consequences. “If any officer is found involved, he’ll be dismissed. His property will be seized within seven days. A full investigation will follow.”
He called it a “sin” for police officers to aid or protect the drug trade.