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Last updated: 27 March, 2007 - Published 15:27 GMT
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Police uniforms in Gujarat
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A policeman in uniform in Gujarat
Old-style police uniforms are bulky and cause the wearer to sweat
Listener Sudhindra Srinivas has compiled a report for Outlook on the new police uniforms that have been commissioned by the authorities in Gujarat.

Using fibre-optic technology, these new uniforms are to be lightweight, have more so-called 'ventilation outlets', and be impregnated with the fragrance of jasmine, rose and citrus.

As added bonuses, the uniforms will also glow in the dark to make officers more visible, and be designed to make overweight officers look a little more streamlined.

"It's pretty ideally suited to members of the police fraternity," said Sudhindra, "I think not only would it make life so much easier for them on the street but I guess after a hard day's work probably they'll be better suited to handle the challenges the family."

Sudhindra visited a mall in Hyderabad to hear what others thought about the change.

One man, Arnab, said that he thought it would bring about environmental and economic benefits.

"Overall I think it will bring about two changes," he said, "The fact that it won't have to be washed so much so we'll save water, and on the other hand, since people will be able to be at the office for longer, productivity of the country will actually increase."

Despite the change in dress, however, residents didn't feel it would lead to much change in the style of policing.

Outlook listener Sudhindra Srinivas
Sudhindra interviewed back in his office after compiling his report

"Maybe they'll be a little cool-headed," said one woman, "maybe the heat won't get on to them, but except for that I don't think they're attitude is going to change. They just have so much going on."

Sudhindra also visited a large police station in Hyderabad where he met Inspector Vara Prasada Rao, the general secretary of the Andrapradesh Police Officers Association.

"I must speak very honestly," he said, "Actually we were given one uniform a year but we negotiated with the government so we are getting two uniforms right now.

"Fragrant material may be good for us - but whether we can afford it or not is a point. Definitely we welcome it - if the government is going to provide."

While most people were positive about the change, the feeling was that the colour should remain the same.

The British first introduced the existing khaki uniforms at the time of the Raj.

Do you wear a uniform? What's your feeling about it? Do you like the style and the material?

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