Himachal CM Announces Major Police Reforms, Strengthening Law and Order.
Shimla:
In a bid to modernize the state’s police services, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the Police Department’s infrastructure and efficiency. Speaking at a review meeting, CM Sukhu emphasized several key initiatives to bolster law enforcement, public safety, and disaster management across the state.
The Chief Minister revealed plans to categorize police stations based on population, geographical factors, and urban-rural divisions to ensure appropriate staffing levels and improved service delivery. He announced that registered police posts would soon be authorized to register FIRs by integrating them with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS), a move expected to streamline the process and increase accessibility for citizens.
Addressing staff shortages, Sukhu confirmed that recruitment for 1,226 police constables and 30 Sub Inspectors is underway. He also announced that a data warehouse would be established to manage and analyze information from multiple agencies to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
In a significant push for enhancing law enforcement’s operational capacity, the state government will deploy Home Guards across Boards and Corporations to help maintain law and order. A new Home Guards Battalion Training Centre will be built at Markand in Bilaspur to improve training facilities. The government will also fill 700 vacant Home Guard positions and provide adequate funding for the digitization of designated response centers.
Additionally, Sukhu outlined plans for modernizing the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with provisions to hire necessary vehicles for relief operations during emergencies. Temporary deployment of Home Guards will also be arranged in the SDRF until the permanent staff is recruited.
The Chief Minister also focused on combatting cybercrime, expressing concern over the rising cases. In 2024, 11,892 complaints were reported, involving over Rs. 114 crore in cyber fraud. While the Cyber Cell managed to block Rs. 11.59 crore, Sukhu urged a ramp-up in awareness efforts and a stronger crackdown on offenders.
“We are dedicated to strengthening law enforcement and emergency services while addressing emerging challenges such as cybercrime and disaster management,” Sukhu said, reiterating the government’s commitment to securing the safety and welfare of the public.
Senior officers from the Police Department, including Director General of Police Atul Verma, and other government officials attended the meeting, outlining their support for these ambitious reforms.
