Annual Conference of Director Generals of Police Under the shadow of Statue of Unity

Sardar Patel’s message of National Unity was the underlying theme of this year’s Conference of Director Generals of Police that focused on improving cyber security in the country and on preparing the police forces to prevent and investigate cyber-crimes and financial frauds Police, held a special significance because it was organized at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat, under the shadow of the Statue of Unity and was inaugurated on 20 December 2018 by Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister, after offering floral tributes to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. It is worth mentioning that it was Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel who, as Home Minister of the Country, had inaugurated the first Conference of Inspector Generals of Police in Delhi in 1948.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in his inaugural address congratulated the assembled heads of State Police and DGs of Central Armed Police Forces on maintaining the safety and security of citizens and for bringing about significant improvements in the law & order situation in the country during last 12 months.  He also honoured the SHOs of the best Police stations in the country.

Prime Minister arrived on 21December, and along with assembled DGs and senior officials of MHA, attended the colourful and well-coordinated “Ek Bharat Sreshtha Bharat Parade” at the Statue of Unity where the flags of all security forces were carried and displayed by the Police Officers representing different States, Union Territories and Central Armed Police Forces.  Mahila Battalion of CRPF and Commandos of NSG and CRPF also gave a stirring performance at the parade on the theme of National Unity.

Sardar Patel Award for National Integration that would be given for outstanding efforts to further national integration was announced by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at the conclusion of DGPs/IGPs Conference at Kevadia on Saturday 22 December, saying, “Sardar Patel devoted his life towards unifying India. The Sardar Patel Award for National Integration would be a fitting tribute to him and will inspire more people to work towards furthering India’s unity and national integration.”

Drawing inspiration from Sardar Patel’s contribution to National unity, institution of this new national honour for National Unity is on the pattern of Padma Awards.  This will be awarded once every year and would be open to every Indian who has contributed to national unity in any manner.

Prime Minister:

• Released a Commemorative Postal Stamp on the National Police Memorial.
• Released a special issue of Indian Police Journal on Police Martyrdom, published by the BPR&D.
• Suggested that a National Level Parade as demonstration of Police capabilities, may be organized by Police forces of about 3-4 States near the Statue of Unity every year on the 31^st October, the birthday of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, also observed as National Unity Day.
• Launched website of the Cyber Coordination Centre, a one stop shop on all cyber related issues, whether it is cybercrime or cyber security, which would also act as bridge between law enforcement agencies on the one hand, and academia and private cyber security professionals on the other.
• Lauded contribution of Police forces in maintenance of internal security scenario, while concluding the 3-day Conference.
• Directed Heads of Police forces to take steps towards creating a more responsive and sensitive Police force.
• Emphasized that coordination of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and central agencies with the State Police forces and coordination amongst neighbouring States was absolutely essential for successfully dealing with complex issues of crime prevention and management of law & order in the country.
• Advised DGsP to make imaginative use of information technology to reach out to all sections of society through websites and apps to provide various Police related services and safety advisories.
• Highlighted misuse of social media by anti-national forces for creating mass unrest and for radicalizing vulnerable youth in this context.

At the Conference a large number of issues concerning internal security, Criminal Justice System, terrorism, Left Wing Extremism and bridging the gap between Police and public were discussed.  The focus of the Conference was on achieving better coordination amongst all the Police forces.

The   Conference entailed deliberations on need to reform the criminal justice system of the country by bringing about necessary changes in Police training and preparedness to investigate new age crimes.  Capacity building of Police forces in investigation, cyber-crimes and crime against women were also discussed at the Conference.  The Director Generals and other Senior Police officials highlighted challenges being faced by law enforcement agencies due to misuse of social media to spread terror and child porn. They emphasized the need to improve compliance of the existing legal provisions with the help of all the stakeholders.