Policing must evolve for Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi at DGPs’ meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said there is an urgent need to transform public perception of the police, particularly among young people, by strengthening professionalism, sensitivity, and responsiveness.

Addressing the 60th All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police, Modi also underlined the importance of regularly monitoring banned outfits, ensuring holistic development in areas cleared of Left Wing Extremism, and adopting new models to reinforce coastal security.

He directed police forces in states and Union Territories to frame innovative strategies to integrate uninhabited islands, make fuller use of databases under NATGRID, and link these systems with artificial intelligence to produce actionable intelligence.

“Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to transform public perception of the police, particularly among the youth, by enhancing professionalism, sensitivity, and responsiveness,” an official statement issued after the three-day conference said.

The conference was themed ‘Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions’.

Modi highlighted the need to strengthen urban policing, reinvigorate tourist police, and raise public awareness of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, which replace colonial-era criminal laws.

He urged universities and academic institutions to take up case studies on the use of forensics in police investigations, noting that wider forensic application would strengthen the criminal justice system.

On tackling drug abuse, the prime minister said a ‘whole-of-government’ approach was required, bringing together enforcement, rehabilitation, and community-level intervention.

The conference saw detailed discussions on a broad range of national security issues. Officials deliberated on the long-term roadmap for policing under Vision 2047, emerging trends in counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation, the use of technology to enhance women’s safety, strategies to bring back Indian fugitives abroad, and the need to strengthen forensic capabilities for effective investigation and prosecution.

Modi emphasised the importance of preparedness and coordination in disaster management, urging police chiefs to reinforce systems to handle cyclones, floods, and other natural emergencies, including the ongoing situation involving cyclone Ditwah. He said proactive planning, real-time coordination, prompt response, and a ‘whole-of-government’ approach were essential to protect lives and reduce disruption.

He also asked police chiefs to realign policing styles to meet the aspirations of a developing nation aiming to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

During the event, Modi distributed the President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to Intelligence Bureau officers and presented awards to the three best-performing cities in urban policing. This recognition has been instituted for the first time to encourage innovation in urban policing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, ministers of state for home affairs, and the Union home secretary attended the conference. DGPs and IGPs from all states and UTs participated in person, while more than 700 officers joined virtually from across the country.

(With inputs from agencies)