CM Dhami Salutes Fallen Heroes; Announces 1,600 New Police Jobs
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami pays tribute to fallen heroes and announces 1,600 new police jobs and major infrastructure upgrades.
Marking the solemn occasion of Police Commemoration Day Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a heartfelt tribute to the brave souls of the police and paramilitary forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Speaking at a special programme held at the Police Lines in Dehradun on Wednesday, the Chief Minister honored the courage of these martyrs and extended support to the families of the fallen.
Reflecting on the national scale of sacrifice, CM Dhami noted that 154 personnel across India laid down their lives over the past year. He specifically remembered late Vinod Kumar, a Sub-Inspector of the Uttarakhand Police, stating that such martyrs remain a permanent source of pride for the entire nation. He further highlighted the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a lasting symbol of this bravery.
Major Boost for Police Welfare and Recruitment
Beyond the tributes, the Chief Minister unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the state's law enforcement machinery. In a move to address manpower shortages, CM Dhami announced that the recruitment process for approximately 1,600 vacant posts across various units of the Uttarakhand Police will commence shortly.
To ensure the force is well-equipped and supported, the state government is implementing several key initiatives:
- Budget Hike: The annual budget for essential police station operations will be doubled, increasing from Rs 4 crore to Rs 8 crore.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Plans are underway to construct a transit hostel and multi-storey barracks in Dehradun, alongside the upgrading of the city's police hospital.
- Educational Support: All police modern schools across the state will be upgraded to provide better facilities for the children of personnel.
- Operational Tools: Investigating officers will be provided with modern investigation kits to enhance the quality of probes.
Tackling Modern Threats: Cybercrime and Drugs
Acknowledging the evolving nature of crime, CM Dhami emphasized that the "khaki uniform" must evolve to meet new challenges. He pointed out that in an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence and the internet, the police must outpace cybercriminals through superior training and technology.
To this end, the state is constructing a State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore. Additionally, to combat the menace of narcotics, a three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been established to ensure a drug-free Uttarakhand.
Commitment to Safety and Personnel Well-being
The Chief Minister also focused on the safety of vulnerable groups and the mental health of the force. He revealed that Quick Response Teams have been formed under women’s help desks at every police station to bolster women's security.
Recognizing the immense pressure police personnel face—often staying away from their families during festivals and working in Uttarakhand's treacherous terrain—Dhami stressed the importance of regular stress-management programmes. He also noted that cashless medical facilities are now being provided to the force.
Key Statistics and Recent Progress
The government's efforts to improve the lives of its officers are reflected in recent data shared by the CMO:
- Promotions and Hiring: 785 personnel were promoted this year, while 1,573 constables joined the Civil Police and 370 joined the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
- Specialized Hires: Recruitment for 222 posts, including Sub-Inspectors and Fire Station Second Officers, has been completed.
- Compassionate Appointments: 24 dependants of deceased police personnel have been granted appointments.
- Financial Investment: Over Rs 58 crore has been released this financial year for the improvement of barracks, mess facilities, and police stations.
- Housing: Police housing satisfaction has risen from 18 per cent to 22 per cent, with a target to reach 30 per cent.
Adding to the gravity of the day, Director General of Police Deepam Seth shared a poignant statistic, noting that a total of 206 Uttarakhand Police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty over time.