Cuttack, May 11: In the Cuttack Commissionerate, around 1,039 home guards are officially assigned to assist the police in law-and-order maintenance, patrolling, traffic management, and crime control. However, recent reports reveal a significant mismatch between official records and actual deployment at the police station level.

Many home guards are reportedly performing personal errands or serving at the residences of senior police officers instead of their designated police station duties. It has been noted that over 300 home guards regularly remain away from their station postings, working instead at officers’ homes for household chores or other personal tasks. This irregularity has drawn attention and criticism within police circles.

Originally, the Cuttack Commissionerate had 939 home guard positions, which were recently increased by 100 to improve patrolling and policing. Despite the addition, deployment issues persist. Approximately 90 female home guards are also on duty. While official websites list station-wise numbers, on-ground verification shows discrepancies, with some stations actually having more than 20 home guards present, while others have very few.

Home guards are entitled to a daily allowance of ₹628 for an 8-hour duty, but fear of penalty or deduction keeps many compliant, even when performing non-official tasks. Officers acknowledge the irregularities but say routine monitoring is challenging.

The irregular posting of home guards not only affects policing efficiency but also raises broader concerns about accountability and operational discipline within the Cuttack Commissionerate.