FOR THE FIRST TIME NUMBER OF COPS TO CROSS ONE LAKH MARK IN PUNJAB: CM

Patiala (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that in order to deftly maintain law and order in the state, the number of personnel in the Punjab Police will for the first time cross the figure of one lakh as the state government has embarked on a massive recruitment drive for it.

Addressing the gathering during the launch of six-day Certified Investigator Course for Punjab Police investigation officers, the Chief Minister said that in the year 2000, the strength of Punjab Police was 80,000, and it remains almost the same even today. He said that this despite the fact the challenges and problems faced by the Punjab Police has enhanced manifolds adding he bemoaned that none of the successive governments had ever bothered about this thing. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this number will be enhanced soon as the state government is already carrying on massive recruitment drives in the state adding the number will soon touch one lakh.

The Chief Minister said that today a new and significant initiative is being undertaken today and a total of 730 investigating officers will participate in this six-day training workshop. He said that detailed information will be shared about taking strict action against drug traffickers and smugglers under the NDPS Act. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is essential to train police officers to deal with criminals who are adopting new and advanced techniques.

The Chief Minister said that in the past, traffickers were arrested, but they often managed to escape punishment by taking advantage of legal loopholes. Likewise, he said that earlier there used to be heavy political interference, which helped traffickers get released, but now such interference has completely ended. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is also in close coordination with the Central Government and with the enforcement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replacing the IPC, several legal procedures have changed, making this training even more important.

The Chief Minister said that preservation of evidence and staying updated with the evolving legal framework are now essential responsibilities of the officers for which they need to be equipped with emerging techniques. He said that although investigating officers perform their duties with sincerity, sometimes the accused escape conviction by exploiting legal technicalities and the blame comes on the police. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Police have been given a free hand to act against the criminals and lawbreakers adding that no one will be allowed to take the law in their own hands.

The Chief Minister said that the officers who perform exceptionally well will be specially honored on solemn occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to wipe out the curse of drugs, he said that Yudh Nasheyan Virduh has already broken the backbone of this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the fight against drugs requires a massive public movement for which citizens must stand hand to hand with the police in this battle.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge in office, the state government has strengthened the Police infrastructure in Punjab. He said that since drones are being used to smuggle drugs across the border, an advanced anti-drone system has been launched. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is vital to engage the youth in employment, sports, and other constructive activities as part of our war against drugs, for which concerted efforts have been made.

The Chief Minister said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop but those who remain occupied with productive work do not fall into bad company. He said that to ensure strict oversight of private de-addiction centers and prevent the misuse of medicines used in drug rehabilitation, a new law has been passed by the Cabinet today. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the investigating officers receiving this training will gain valuable new experiences as this new initiative has been launched today.

The Chief Minister said that through this course, supervisory and investigating officers will be provided with professional expertise in handling drug-related cases under the NDPS Act, ensuring that drug traffickers do not escape the clutches of law. He said that during the training, Police officers will be familiarized with the required procedures, legal aspects, and technical nuances essential for the effective investigation of drug-related crimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at this Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, 27 batches of Police officers will undergo this training, with 30 officers in each batch.

The Chief Minister said that these officers will gain specialized skills in case preparation and prosecution against drug traffickers in court to ensure that offenders are duly convicted. He said that during the training, officers will be trained to identify behavioral changes in individuals affected by drug abuse, understand the mindset of drug traffickers, and study the various dimensions of crimes linked to substance abuse. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this training will equip officers with advanced professional skills, empowering them to secure convictions for offenders involved in drug-related crimes.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and others were also present.