Kollam: The number of police personnel applying for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) is steadily increasing, despite repeated efforts by senior officials to dissuade them. According to reports, over 500 officers--from Civil Police Officers (CPOs) to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs)--have submitted VRS applications, citing intense work pressure and job-related stress.

District Police Chiefs have been actively intervening, urging applicants to reconsider their decision. However, in many cases, applications have been submitted multiple times--up to four or five times--without being approved or acted upon.

The trend, which began to escalate in 2019, hit a record high in 2023. In response, the department has made several attempts to address the issue. A one-day workshop was conducted to understand the root causes of dissatisfaction, and last year, a dedicated initiative titled ‘Kaaval Karuthal’ was launched.

As part of the initiative, committees were instructed to be formed from the police station level up to the ADGP’s office, with mandatory meetings every Friday to discuss concerns and propose solutions. In recent months, senior officials have adopted a more direct approach by personally meeting applicants and offering counselling sessions.

To further discourage resignations, authorities have also begun offering transfers to postings with reduced workloads and other incentives. However, despite these efforts, the number of VRS applications continues to rise.