Transform Police System To Meet Requirements Of A Modern Democratic Nation, Says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has called upon leaders of Police and security forces to transform the Police system and bring it in tune with the requirements of a modern democratic nation. He was addressing delegates of the annual conference of DGPs/IGPs of States and Union Territories and Heads of Central Police Organizations when they called on him yesterday (November 23, 2013) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President said Police officers must ensure that grievances of the common man are redressed. They must in partnership with other stake holders create a peaceful and secure atmosphere conducive to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

Expressing disappointment that the Police sometimes fail to win adequate confidence in all sections of society, the President said the Rule of Law, which is a cardinal principle on which a modern state rests, must be strictly enforced in a prompt, fair and equitable manner. He also said leaders of the security forces must provide good and able leadership through their actions and values.

The President said the Police forces must strengthen external and internal communication to deal with the worrying increase in communal tensions. Communication with people has to be maintained and at the same time, communication within the organization, right down to the beat level, must be improved. District and local administration must notice communal tensions in their initial stages and take necessary measures to contain them quickly.

The President said everything must be done to prevent corruption and ensure accountability and probity in public life. But it would be inappropriate for Police agencies to sit in judgement over policy formulation.

The President said with growing urbanization, dimensions of crime have increased. The worst sufferers of this malady are women and children. Violence against these vulnerable groups of our population has to be dealt firmly. Effective policing of our urban areas, especially metropolitan cities, must be attended to with urgency. The President said there is need to ensure that affirmative Police action is taken in respect of marginalized sections of society.

The President said Police in our country face varied security challenges and have constraints of manpower and logistics. Despite these challenges, our Police forces have acquitted themselves well and attained significant success in addressing the challenges which confront us.. Senior police officers must in particular take care of the welfare of the constabulary and their families.

The President said Police in India should be a proactive service provider – a law enforcing body and a partner in growth, development and peace. He complimented the Police forces for their commitment, dedication and service to the nation and paid homage to those who have made the supreme sacrifice in the cause of the nation and to those who have suffered injuries while carrying out their duties.

This release issued at 1045 hrs