The Karnataka home department has decided to abolish the orderlies system in police, an issue that was highlighted by the constables who threatened to go on mass leave on June 4.

Orderlies are trained to be constables but are doing menial jobs in homes of police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and above. Abolition of the system, which has been in existence since British rule, has been a long-standing demand. There are reportedly over 3000 orderlies in Karnataka who do petty jobs like washing clothes, cutting vegetables, cleaning dishes and gardening.

“We have decided to do away with the orderly system and recruit Group D staff as an alternative to constables who might be called `followers' or `dalayats',“ home minister G Parameshwara said after a meeting with senior police officers in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Parameshwara, however, said that it would be done in a phased manner, reported The Times of India.

“In principle, we have decided to withdraw the orderly system but the transition will take time. We plan to put an end to the system beginning from Bengaluru,” he added.

The department would also set up a five-member committee to look into the demand of the policemen for a pay hike.

“At present, the basic pay of a constable is on par with a second division assistant though their nature of work cannot be compared,“ Parameshwara said.

“Constables are being paid 50% less allowance than other officials,” he said.