Kolkata Police Chief Urges Fitness with New Exercise Mandate for Personnel

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 31, 2025, Kolkata : In an effort to improve the physical fitness of Kolkata Police personnel, Commissioner Manoj Verma has issued a directive mandating that all officers devote one and a half to two hours daily to physical exercise. The move comes after the police chief expressed dissatisfaction with the physical condition of some officers at the annual Kolkata Police sports competition.

Verma emphasized the importance of physical fitness for police officers, stating that it is crucial to the demands of their profession. "It is very important to be physically fit in our profession," Verma remarked, urging officers to incorporate exercise into their routines, whether in the morning or afternoon. He added that physical fitness would not only benefit officers personally but would also enhance their effectiveness in their work.

The call for increased physical activity among police officers is reminiscent of a lighter moment last year when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during an administrative meeting in North Bengal, had humorously advised a particularly heavy-set police officer to exercise. "Do some physical exercise now," Banerjee had said, to which the officer responded with a simple "Yes, madam." Banerjee, expressing frustration, had quipped, "You can tell by looking at your Madhya Pradesh!" The comment prompted laughter from those present at the meeting.

While the conversation was lighthearted, it seems to have had a lasting impact. Verma’s official order echoes Banerjee’s earlier advice, reinforcing the idea that fitness is a priority for the state's police force.

In a related note, Mamata Banerjee, now 70, continues to set a personal example of fitness. During a visit to Subhashini Tea Garden in Alipurduar on January 23, Banerjee, despite her age, demonstrated remarkable physical agility. After addressing the crowd, she effortlessly jumped onto the first step of a bamboo barricade to shake hands with the people, showcasing her enviable fitness. This display of physical vitality drew admiration from many, reinforcing the idea that fitness remains an essential part of Banerjee’s daily routine.

Verma's new fitness directive is expected to encourage officers across Kolkata to adopt healthier lifestyles, following the example set by both the Chief Minister and the police commissioner himself.