PM Modi stresses policing reforms

Source: The post “PM Modi stresses policing reforms” has been created, based on “PM Modi stresses policing reforms, tech integration at DGPs conference in Raipur” published in “Hindustan Times” on 2nd December 2025.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2- Governance

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 60th All India Conference of DGPs and IGPs at IIM Raipur, emphasised the need to align policing with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted modernisation, technology adoption, citizen-centric governance, and strengthening of urban and forensic policing as core priorities.

Key Directions Given to Police Leadership

1. Realigning Policing with Viksit Bharat: The Prime Minister stressed that policing must be aligned with the national aspiration of building a developed India. He urged the police to enhance professionalism, sensitivity, and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions. He emphasised that the police must work to improve public perception and deepen youth engagement.
2. Strengthening Urban and Tourist Policing: He stated that rapidly expanding urban areas require dedicated urban policing frameworks to manage complex law-and-order challenges. He called for the reinvigoration of tourist police to ensure safety and improve India’s global tourism image.
3. Increasing Awareness of New Criminal Laws: He highlighted the need to spread awareness about the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita. He underlined that smooth transition from colonial-era laws to the new legal system requires mass public understanding.
4. Enhancing Use of Technology: He urged State and UT police forces to integrate NATGRID-linked databases with Artificial Intelligence to generate actionable intelligence. He pointed out that technology-driven and data-backed policing will enhance preventive and investigative capacities.
5. Improving Forensic Capabilities: He encouraged universities and academic institutions to conduct case studies on forensic use in investigations. He noted that deeper forensic application will make investigations more scientific and reinforce the criminal justice system.

Significance for Viksit Bharat

1. Strengthened Internal Security: Technology-enabled and integrated policing enhances early detection of threats and enables faster responses
2. Improved Citizen-Centric Governance: Professional, sensitive, and law-aware policing increases public trust and strengthens democratic governance
3. Safer and Better-Managed Cities: Specialised urban policing contributes to economic vibrancy and improves urban liveability
4. Boost to Tourism: Dedicated tourist police improve visitor safety and support India’s global tourism potential
5. Modern and Scientific Justice System: Enhanced forensic use promotes evidence-based investigations and higher conviction rates.

Challenges in Achieving These Goals

1. Capacity and Skill Gaps: Many police personnel lack advanced skills in cybercrime detection, AI usage, and forensic techniques. There is wide variation in training standards across states, leading to uneven preparedness.
2. Resource and Infrastructure Limitations: Several states face shortages of modern equipment, surveillance tools, and accredited forensic laboratories. Budget constraints hinder uniform technological modernisation across the country.
3. Human Resource Constraints: India continues to have a low police-to-population ratio, which affects timely and quality service delivery. Long working hours and occupational stress reduce the sensitivity and responsiveness of personnel.
4. Public Trust and Perception Issues: Legacy issues such as delays, corruption, and occasional misuse of force continue to affect police credibility. Weak community engagement prevents the development of cooperative policing relationships.
5. Implementation Challenges of New Laws: The rollout of the new criminal laws requires retraining, administrative restructuring, and public outreach. Lack of awareness may lead to procedural confusion during the transition period.
6. Technology and Cyber Risks: Increased digitisation exposes police systems to potential cyberattacks and data breaches. There is a need for uniform standards for managing digital evidence and protecting sensitive databases.

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Training and Capacity Building: Police forces need sustained training programmes in AI, cybercrime, forensic science, and soft skills
2. Investing in Modern Infrastructure: States must expand surveillance systems, integrated command centres, and high-quality forensic labs
3. Promoting Community Policing: Police should institutionalise community partnerships through beat policing and neighbourhood safety committees
4. Ensuring Smooth Implementation of New Laws: Government agencies must develop clear guidelines, online training modules, and public awareness initiatives
5. Deepening Academic–Police Collaboration: Police institutions should work closely with universities to promote criminology research and forensic audits
6. Enhancing Urban Safety Planning: Urban policing strategies should be integrated with smart city planning, women’s safety frameworks, and emergency response systems.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s directions highlight a clear shift towards modern, technology-enabled, and citizen-first policing. Addressing existing challenges through training, infrastructure upgrades, legal awareness, and community engagement will be crucial in building a secure, efficient, and people-centric policing ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Question: Modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric policing is essential for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. Discuss the key challenges in transforming India’s policing system and suggest measures to strengthen its role in national development.