In a momentous event held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, addressed the Dikshant Parade of the 75 RR batch of the IPS (Indian Police Service). The occasion was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including the Governor of Telangana, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A Historic Day for Future Leaders
During his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the historical significance of the 75 RR batch of the Academy, which is a part of the Amrit Mahotsav. He spoke passionately about the immense responsibility that these young officers would carry as they took the reins of India’s internal security during the centenary of the country’s independence.
Shri Shah lauded the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of these officers, emphasizing the critical role they would play in fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for Amritkaal, a period when India was set to lead the world in various domains.
A Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Union Home Minister Shah paid tribute to the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who not only united India by merging more than 550 princely states but also laid the foundation for the Indian Police Service (IPS). He quoted Sardar Patel’s belief that a strong, All India Service with the freedom to express its views is essential for the unity and integrity of the nation.
Shri Shah acknowledged the IPS cadre’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s internal security, and he urged the trainees to uphold the principles set by their predecessors.
Technology and Policing
Highlighting the importance of technology in future policing, Shri Amit Shah mentioned Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative, the Police Technology Mission. This mission aims to equip the Indian Police with cutting-edge technology, ensuring they stay ahead of criminals.
The Home Minister emphasized the need for practical implementation of technology in policing and maintaining a two-step advantage over criminal elements, combining their training and practical experience for efficient duty execution.
Celebrating Women in Policing
A moment of great pride was the announcement of a woman officer receiving the Best Officer Trainee Award. This was a historic moment, marking the first time in the Academy’s history that a woman officer trainee, Ms. Ranjita Sharma, received the Squad of Honor from the IPS Association. Shri Shah connected this milestone with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of women-led development, as the government has recently secured 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
Honoring Sacrifices
Union Home Minister Shah paid homage to the countless sacrifices and struggles that led to India’s independence. He acknowledged the sacrifices of over 36,500 police officers and jawans who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. This, he stated, was a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite significant progress in curbing terrorism, left-wing extremism, and Naxalite violence, new challenges have emerged, including organized crime, cybercrime, financial crime, and drug trafficking. Shri Shah emphasized the need for the police to adapt to these changing challenges.
Shri Shah highlighted the government’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system by replacing outdated British-era laws with modern legislation. These changes aim to safeguard the rights of the public and make the justice system more efficient and responsive.
Implementing Change
The Home Minister urged officer trainees to implement these new laws with dedication and to understand the spirit behind them. He called for a shift from reactive to proactive policing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sensitivity towards the weaker sections of society and protecting their rights.
Shri Amit Shah concluded by underlining the significance of moving beyond the bookish approach and understanding the spirit of the law while respecting local languages, traditions, and history.
