New Delhi/Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 58th conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur on Sunday, stated that the three new criminal laws were framed with the principles of “citizen first, dignity first, and justice first.” He directed police chiefs to prioritise working with data over ‘danda’ (force).
Modi emphasised the importance of focusing on women's safety, urging the police to ensure that women can work fearlessly "kabhi bhi aur kahin bhi" (anytime, anywhere). He highlighted that the recently enacted laws represented a paradigm shift in the criminal justice system and urged police chiefs to think creatively in conveying the emotional spirit behind these laws to various sections of society. Special attention was recommended for sensitising women and girls about their rights and protections under the new criminal laws.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have been introduced to replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure-1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.
Modi stressed the need to enhance the positive image of the police among citizens and suggested utilising social media at the police station level to disseminate positive information and messages for the benefit of citizens. He encouraged the wise use of social media and proposed organising various sports events to strengthen the connection between citizens and the police. Additionally, he urged government officials to stay in border villages to establish a better 'connect' with the local populace.
Acknowledging the success of India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, and the prompt rescue of 21 crew members from a hijacked vessel in the Arabian Sea by the Indian Navy, Modi highlighted these achievements as indicators of India emerging as a major power globally. He drew parallels between the success of Aditya-L1 and the Chandrayaan-3 mission, stressing on the need for the Indian police to transform into a modern and world-class force to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister also distributed the Police Medal for Distinguished Services, concluding the three-day police chiefs conference in Jaipur. The conference was attended by the Union home minister, National Security Ministers of State for Home, Union home secretary, DGsP/IGsP of states/Union Territories, and heads of Central Police Organisations/Central Armed Police Forces, among others.
