Bengaluru, 29 Oct 

Karnataka police constables will now wear navy blue peak caps instead of the traditional slouch hats that have been part of their uniform for nearly five decades. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched and distributed the new caps at a ceremony in Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday.

Officials described the switch as "a significant and timely change" for the force. Unlike the slouch hats, the new peak caps will not carry the constable's service number, which will be displayed only on the shoulder badge.

"I chose the design of the new caps released today. Since 1956, the same design has been used. Now, all officers and personnel will wear a uniform cap. I hope this will boost your self-confidence," said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, adding "Not just your cap, but your efficiency should change too.”

Home Minister Parameshwara said that slouch hats were first introduced for the State’s police force in 1973 under the then chief minister Devaraj Urs. Before that, police personnel wore turbans, while the armed forces adopted slouch hats in 1953.

Parameshwara noted that there had been several demands over the years to change the cap design, but the proposal did not materialise for various reasons.

He said there had been several demands over the years to change the design, as the hats were cumbersome in the rain and not aesthetically appealing. "Even in 2015, when I was home minister, there was a proposal for change, but it didn't materialise," he noted.

After reviewing designs used in other states, the blue cap was selected by Siddaramaiah himself.