Bengaluru, January 29, 2026: In a landmark move to promote work-life balance and emotional well-being, Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr. M.A. Saleem, IPS, has issued a circular directing all unit officers to grant casual leave without fail to police personnel who request it on their birthdays or wedding anniversaries.

The circular, issued on January 29, 2026, recognises the demanding nature of police work and the sacrifices made by officers and staff in ensuring public safety and law enforcement. It states that celebrating personal milestones helps personnel recharge emotionally, spend quality time with family, reduce stress, boost morale, and improve overall job satisfaction, discipline, and productivity.

Key excerpts from the circular (translated from Kannada):

“Celebrating personal events like birthdays and wedding anniversaries is very important for police personnel who work under difficult conditions to ensure public safety and law enforcement. Taking leave on these special days helps officers and personnel recharge emotionally, spend quality time with family, and maintain a balance between duty and personal life. This boosts morale, reduces stress, and increases overall job satisfaction and productivity. This humanitarian act not only recognises their sacrifices but also builds loyalty and strengthens the commitment of the police force, contributing to better discipline and performance in the service.”

All unit officers have been instructed to approve such leave requests mandatorily, treating them as a matter of right for personnel who wish to observe these days.