HC pulls up Chhattisgarh govt over housing shortfall for police personnel

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has a sanctioned police strength of 83,259 personnel, but only 18,396 residential quarters are available across the state, leaving the majority of the force without proper housing. This means just 22% of constables and non-gazetted officers have access to government quarters, while the rest are compelled to live in rented accommodation or dilapidated houses, according to an affidavit filed by the Chhattisgarh Police Housing Corporation (CGPHCL). Taking serious note of the situation, the Chhattisgarh high court on Wednesday pulled up the state government for failing to provide adequate housing facilities to its police force, despite budgetary provisions for new quarters. The court was hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the poor living conditions of police personnel. The affidavit highlighted the acute shortage of housing and pointed out that 24 police quarters in Amanaka, Raipur, built in 1999, had been declared irreparable by the Public Works Department. Although the building has been vacated for demolition and reconstruction, funds for the project have not been released. Similarly, 56 police personnel were displaced from their quarters in Bilaspur’s Kotwali area for a smart city project. However, neither a new police station nor staff quarters have been built, and no budget has been allocated for the purpose. The affidavit also noted that while Rs 10 crore had been earmarked for maintenance of police buildings, the funds have not yet been sanctioned. In addition, proposals worth over Rs 390 crore for the construction of 2,884 new G and H-type quarters are still pending administrative approval. The high court observed that despite the construction of 6,914 houses between 2018 and 2024, the overall shortage remains alarming. It further remarked that administrative delays were compounding the problem, leaving police personnel without adequate housing. The court directed the Finance Department and the CGPHCL managing director to submit fresh affidavits detailing the measures being taken to address the crisis. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 24, 2025.