CM Fadnavis asks police personnel to practice yoga

Mumbai: Acknowledging the stress and pressure faced by policemen during duty hours, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asked the officials to make yoga a part of their lives as it brings positive energy to the body and mind.

"I think yoga is essential for every individual. I am confident that after the workshop, the participants will feel nice and find a change in themselves," Fadnavis said after inaugurating a one-day yoga workshop for Mumbai Police at Prena Hall in south Mumbai.

Fadnavis said everybody knows the importance of yoga, but they hardly practice it. "I think the police department should regularly do yoga," he said.

He assured that the government was with the police in good and bad times, and that it was initiating all possible measures to boost the confidence and morale of the department.

"Usually police personnel remain awake for others, ensure the programmes of others are held successfully and work day and night to maintain law and order. I know Mumbai Police, one of the top police departments in the world, while performing their duty they face stress and pressure," he said.

"They do not get to do anything for themselves. Police never organise any programme for themselves as they do not get time. I am happy that this one-day course has been organised by Mumbai Police for their personnel," he said.

As many as 60 personnel from different police stations across the city are participating in the course in an effort to reduce stress endured by them.

Yoga brings positive energy to the body and thinking, the Chief Minister said.

"Of late, the entire world is looking towards the yoga and even United Nations has recognised its significance.

People are using exercise equipment or going to gym to maintain good health. However, yoga goes one step further as it not only heals the body, but even the thoughts," the CM said.

Mumbai Police Chief Rakesh Maria said: "Strong and healthy mind and body are necessary in the police department to protect the society."

"We face pressure while trying to meet expectations of the society, the government and the seniors," Maria said.

"Last year, 147 deaths of police personnel were reported in the city. 41 per cent of them died of heart attack and three committed suicide," he said.

The remaining 59 per cent of the 147 deaths were due to various other diseases. The city police have a strength of 46,418 personnel.

Despite pressure, Maria said, "We are proud to say that in 2014, Mumbai Police broke all the records when it came to detection and conviction rates."

First time in the history of Mumbai Police, 63 per cent detection rate has been achieved while the conviction rate figure touched a highest at 56.64 per cent.

"We have also reduced the street crimes. The police force handled the situation well during the two elections last year," he said.

"It is not just yoga, but it is about how to balance life. In public, we are protectors but we also have to balance our life as we play roles as a father, brother and son," Maria said.

He assured the chief minister that the police force would do its best to fetch more results in future.