Which of the following systems prevalent in Uttarakhand is known as 'Gandhi Police'?

The correct answer is revenue police system.

Key Points

• The revenue police system operates in certain areas of Uttarakhand, primarily in hilly regions where the revenue officials perform the duties of police officers.
• It is often referred to as "Gandhi Police" due to its emphasis on non-violent methods of maintaining law and order.
• This unique system dates back to the British colonial era, intended for areas with low population density and limited resources.
• Under this system, Patwaris (revenue officials) and Kanungos handle policing duties, including investigation of minor crimes and disputes.
• The system is primarily prevalent in remote and rural areas of Uttarakhand, including regions such as Tehri Garhwal and Almora.

Additional Information

• Revenue Police System:
  • This system is unique to Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
  • It was implemented during British rule as a cost-effective way to manage law enforcement in sparsely populated regions.
  • Revenue officials often lack formal police training, which has led to debates over its effectiveness in handling modern crime.
• Challenges:
  • The revenue police system faces challenges in addressing serious crimes due to limited resources and lack of specialized training.
  • Increased population and modernization have raised concerns about its efficacy in maintaining law and order.
• Transition to Regular Police:
  • In recent years, there have been efforts to replace the revenue police system with regular police forces in some areas.
  • Such transitions aim to provide better-trained personnel and enhanced infrastructure for law enforcement.
• Uttarakhand's Policing Structure:
  • Uttarakhand has both revenue police and regular police systems operating in different regions.
  • The regular police handle law enforcement in urban and densely populated areas.