Police Physical Fitness Spark Debate in Parliament

In a session of Parliament on Tuesday, 15th April 2025, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam ignited a wave of laughter as he candidly addressed the physical condition of certain police officers. Responding to an inquiry from independent MP Franco Quirin regarding the recruitment criteria within the police force, Ramgoolam stated, “I agree with you that the physical condition of police officers is important. It is already taken into account during recruitment, but I believe they tend to gain weight after their recruitment.”

This remark came in the context of Quirin’s probing questions about police staffing levels since 2019, the number of departures, and the base salary of recruits.

Ramgoolam provided further details, revealing that from 2019 to 2024, out of a total of 2,511 recruits, 159 had resigned for various reasons.

Turning to the matter of remuneration, he clarified that “the starting salary for temporary police officers, both men and women, is Rs 18,650 per month.

Upon completing their training course, which lasts between six to nine months, they also receive a salary adjustment of Rs 4,010, bringing their gross salary to Rs 22,660.”

Quirin, not one to shy away from the issue, pressed on with a supplementary question regarding the admission criteria for the police force:

“What are the recruitment criteria?” To which Ramgoolam replied, “These are the criteria set by the Disciplined Forces Services Commission.”

However, Quirin insisted, “The minimum qualification should be the School Certificate, but physical fitness should also be prioritised.

When you are on the ground, you see police officers who do not possess the physique for the job. They should have a presence that instils doubt in the minds of wrongdoers.”

In a moment of reflection, Ramgoolam acknowledged that he had indeed lowered the entry requirements during his tenure as Prime Minister.

“When I was Prime Minister, I requested that the entry conditions be lowered to a basic level, and that was accomplished,” he admitted, leaving the chamber in a mix of laughter and contemplation over the implications of his words.

As the debate unfolded, it became clear that the physical prowess of those tasked with upholding law and order remains a contentious issue, one that resonates deeply within the fabric of society.

The question lingers: how can we ensure that our protectors are not only qualified but also fit to confront the challenges that lie ahead?

Source: Defi Media