Bhubaneswar: The Centre’s ambitious ‘One Nation, One Police Uniform’ initiative has entered its implementation phase, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directing 16 states and Union Territories — including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal — to submit detailed information on existing police uniforms and related allowances by November 4.
According to official sources, the exercise is part of the Bureau of Police Research and Development’s (BPR&D) ongoing effort to standardise police attire under a uniform national policy. The BPR&D has been tasked with studying aspects such as fabric, colour, insignia, and cost to recommend a model that can be adopted nationwide.
Maintaining State Identity
While the Centre seeks to establish standard design and material specifications across the country, states will reportedly be allowed to retain their emblems, badges, and rank insignia, ensuring functional uniformity without compromising regional identity.
Officials say the initiative aims to modernise and professionalise police forces while fostering a sense of national cohesion among personnel. “Uniformity in police attire will not only enhance recognition and discipline but also symbolise unity across the law enforcement ecosystem,” a senior MHA official said.
Background
The proposal was first unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, who urged states to consider adopting a common police uniform to strengthen national integration. Since then, the BPR&D has conducted multiple consultations with state police departments, textile experts, and procurement officials to design an all-weather, cost-effective model suitable for varied climatic conditions.
The current data-gathering exercise will help finalise the prototype uniform, following which pilot implementation is expected in select states before a nationwide rollout.
-OdishaAge
