Bhubaneswar: A drive to change the system coupled with hard work and dutifulness has made Odia IPS officer Basant Rath a popular face. Posted as the Inspector General of Police (Traffic) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Rath has already become a favourite of the common man as his actions have brought some revolutionary changes to the existing status quo.
Considered to be a friend of the people and a nemesis for lawbreakers, he is quick to reach the spot to nip any problem in the bud. Rath is a crisis manager ready with a solution to any problem - whether through consultation or crackdown, as the situation warrants. He is always a click away and is as prompt to act on complaints raised even on social media.
During his tenure he has ensured that all the school buses should be painted yellow, carry a nameplate and have first aid kits. He has also made wearing helmet mandatory for two-wheeler riders and even police officials have not been spared by him in case of a violation.
What has made him a popular among the masses is his friendly and jovial manners towards the common man and sternness towards stern towards law violators. He is also known to be quite a sport with kids.
Rath has pledged to make the traffic administration in J&K the most organised within 90 days. Not only his popularity has soared, but also awareness among people about traffic rules. Helmet use has increased in the state.
In a place which grapples with unrest from terrorists and protestors, Rath is an example.