Will performance be given preference over seniority in the Indian Police Service? This was indicated by none other than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he advocated the need for re-calibration of the promotion system in the police forces for better performance and motivation.

He said a successful stint in an extremism-affected district should result in greater career benefits to the officers.

"Within the police forces, the current system of promotion is based essentially on seniority. It needs to be suitably recalibrate to catalyse better performance and motivation," Singh said addressing the three-day Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police here being organised by the Intelligence Bureau.

He said, "For example, a successful stint in an extremism-affected district, should result in greater career benefits to the officers."

The Prime Minister also said that procurement of equipment was another sphere where speed and quality remain areas of concern.

"We perhaps need to take a re-look at procurement procedures and examine ways of creating adequate testing capacities, coupled with databases of certified equipment, empanelled suppliers and benchmark prices," Singh said.

This, he said, if acted upon will save a lot of time and effort in procurement.

Singh said he was happy that both the central and state governments have taken steps to ensure greater inclusiveness in the police forces.

The extent of reservation for appointment in central paramilitary forces for candidates from areas affected by insurgency, militancy and Naxalism was increased from 20 per cent to 40 per cent five years back.

"A number of states have also raised battalions from such areas. I think we need to take this further. This will reduce the feeling of alienation that might exist among the population in certain parts of our country," the Prime Minister said.