IMPHAL | The Manipur Cabinet has approved the filling of 2,720 vacancies across various cadres of the state police, along with the acquisition of land for an approach road to Khongsang Railway Station. The police vacancies include posts of Sub-Inspector, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Constable, Havildar, Rifleman and Follower, besides technical and ministerial positions such as telecom personnel, nurses, pharmacists, Lower Division Clerks and constable drivers.

The recruitment decision is aimed at addressing manpower shortages in the police force, with recruitment to several cadres reportedly not having been conducted since 2018. To expedite the process, the Cabinet approved departmental recruitment for Sub-Inspector and Jemadar-level posts, exempting them from recruitment through the Manipur Public Service Commission. Assistant Sub-Inspectors and other remaining posts will also be recruited departmentally instead of through the Manipur Staff Selection Commission.

The Cabinet approved a onetime relaxation of the upper age limit for candidates who had applied under earlier recruitment notifications. The vacancies will be filled according to the 200-point roster. A 20 per cent horizontal reservation for Ex-Agniveers and a five per cent reservation for meritorious sportspersons will be notified separately. In another decision, the Cabinet approved the assessment report of the Direct Purchase Committee for acquiring land, standing crops, trees and structures required to construct an approach road-cum-goods circulation area at Khongsang Railway Station, connecting it with NH-37.

The proposed road is around 500 metres long and was earlier declared an emergent work to facilitate the movement of goods-laden trucks from the railway station. The alternative route is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted movement of essential commodities from the railway station and strengthening supply lines to the public.