Police Constable Motivation: The Remarkable Journey of Becoming a Constable

Police Constable Motivation: Across Uttar Pradesh, scenes of celebration abound—garlands of currency notes and brass bands in some places, uninterrupted recitations of the Ramayana in others; singing, dancing, DJs, devotional gatherings, and community feasts. The common thread binding all these festivities is the distribution of appointment letters for police constables. For the fortunate ones who have received them, it feels as though their lives, their families, and even their entire villages have been transformed. No wonder these moments are marked by Diwali-like celebrations, the sharing of sweets, and jubilant gatherings.

The media is brimming with accounts of extraordinary villages—like that remarkable one in Badaun where, for the first time ever, a resident secured a government job, that too as a police constable. The village stands blessed. Its son has created history by donning the uniform. Garlands and bands fall short of the honour he deserves; this achievement calls for a celebration as grand as weighing him in currency notes.

Inspiring stories are everywhere—of young men and women who, through sheer dedication and perseverance, have fulfilled their dreams by succeeding in police recruitment. They deserve every bit of the applause. Their hard work, commitment, and determination deserve our deepest respect. Imagine the countless vows taken, the fasts observed, the prayers offered—just to witness this day, to touch that appointment letter.

Many young individuals have illuminated the name of their villages by becoming constables. Some villages were doubly blessed, with two of their youths earning the badge. In some cases, there have been rare and touching moments—a father and son, or two sisters, together becoming constables.

Becoming a constable is no ordinary feat. It’s a job with a salary of ₹30,000–40,000 a month—technically the lowest rung in the police hierarchy. And yet, for many, it is the ultimate goal, the hard-earned fruit of years of sacrifice and relentless effort.

Is becoming a constable such a monumental achievement? Absolutely. It is no trivial matter. This single accomplishment carries deep, layered significance. It is a subject worthy of reflection and analysis. Why is the recruitment of over 60,000 constables regarded as such a major achievement—both personally and at the state level? What holds greater value—a single government job or the title of constable, and why? Police recruitments happen across India—from Kerala to Arunachal Pradesh—but do such grand celebrations follow everywhere? If not, why are they so pronounced in Uttar Pradesh?

We are the world’s fourth-largest economy. We aspire to become a developed nation in 22 years. And yet, the unparalleled joy of becoming a constable endures.

There are many types of jobs—from India to the Middle East, from private to public sector, from sales representatives to Agniveers in the army. And in these villages that are celebrating like Diwali, many people already hold various jobs, earning respectable incomes. Yet, their appointments rarely spark such collective, public jubilation.

There is something distinct about this police job. It stands apart. Even our border sentries seem overshadowed in comparison.

The joy surrounding the appointment of a constable reveals certain truths.

One is the truth of power—how immensely powerful the police force has become today. Even the lowest rung of this system grants authority, status, influence, fear, and control—privileges unimaginable in most other jobs.

Another truth is that a constable’s position is, in itself, a centre of power—a golden gateway to proximity with politicians, bureaucrats, and the underworld. Where else can such opportunities arise? Once these connections are forged, there is no limit to where life might lead.

It is also a fact that becoming a constable is not merely about securing a ₹40,000-salary government job. It is much more than that. We’ve read, heard, and seen stories where constables have been central figures in multi-crore sagas. From small towns to metropolises, tales of the courage, resourcefulness, and sometimes notoriety of constables hold a powerful allure. Ultimately, isn’t it all about money and power?

And another stark reality: where are the jobs today? And even where they exist, what is their guarantee of stability? In such times, a government job becomes a matter of survival. No job at Adani or Ambani, even with twice the salary, can offer the kind of security, stability, and opportunity that comes with becoming a constable.

There is, of course, no shame in becoming a constable. Every job, after all, has its dignity—none too big, none too small. Those who have become constables are our own youth. We have seen constables go on to become film stars, Members of Parliament, and achieve distinction in many fields. The constables of today will also rise to new heights.

We should only hope—and pray—that these thousands of young constables will serve society, protect the Constitution, uphold justice. This young force must stand apart from the image of the oppressive, corrupt, or brutal policeman. Sixty thousand is no small number. If they choose, there is no limit to what they can achieve. After all, our last and greatest hope lies with the youth of this nation.

(The author is a journalist.)