Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM Calls for Humane, Efficient and Modern Police Force

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh announced here today that the Government will be constituting a Committee consisting of representatives of Government of India, of States and outside experts to examine the recommendations of all past Commissions and Committees and come up with a set of credible, implementable suggestions for improving police administration in the country.

Addressing a Conference of Directors and Inspectors General of Police the PM called for a greater degree of professionalism in the organization of our security forces, in the recruitment and training of policemen and para-military forces, and for more competent and sophisticated means of criminal investigation.

Dr Singh said that a "Revolution in Police Sciences and Intelligence on the lines of the Revolution in Military affairs" is urgently needed to improve the technological and organizational capabilities of the police and security forces.

He also emphasized the need to pay attention to the morale of the police and security forces, and instilling a sense of honesty and discipline in their work culture. "We must take a hard look at the sources of their corruption and causes for their politicization. I urge our political parties also to focus on this issue," Dr Singh said, while referring to the findings of the N N Vohra report on the so-called "nexus" between politicians, criminals and the police. The PM said "This poses an insidious threat to our society and economy. It is in your hands, as leaders of the police service, to resist such politicization and criminalisation and restore to our police force the prestige and elan they once had."

Expressing concern about the welfare of the families of policemen killed in action while maintaining law and order, the PM regretted the "pitiable" condition of their families and said the Government needs to pay greater attention to the welfare of these families as this is an essential element in maintaining the morale of the force and also ensuring that the "best and brightest" join the police force.

Expressing concern about the "public image" of the police force, the PM asked the DGPs and IGPs to consult civil society groups and professional bodies and consider "public audit" of police work where police-public inter-face exists.