VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday underlined that there should be a clear change in policing within Andhra Pradesh.
“Police department should work to ensure the safety of people. AP should once again be seen as a state full of peace and security,” he underlined while chairing a meeting of the home department.
Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, director general of police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao and senior home and police department officials were present at the meeting.
The Chief Minister felt a strong signal should go to criminals, so much so they become scared of committing any kind of crime. "Police officials should be firm in taking action against those who resort to violence in the guise of politics," Chandrababu said.
Police officials informed the CM that compared to 2014–19, crime rate went up by 46 per cent during 2019–23. Atrocities against women increased by 35.91 per cent during the period. Cybercrime shot up by 134.43 per cent. Drug abuse rose by 107.89 per cent. Crime against children rocketed to 151.88 per cent.
Top officials went on to inform Chandrababu Naidu that of the 143 drones that the police wing has, only 88 are functioning. Many CCTV cameras are not working. Automated fingerprint identification system is out of order. They complained that the previous government did not release funds for repairs. At least ₹281 crore are needed for replacing old vehicles with new ones, they pointed out.
The Chief Minister patiently heard what the police officials said. He promised to take all possible steps to bring the police wing back on track. He announced release of ₹10 crore immediately for maintenance of equipment and ₹11 crore for erecting CCTV cameras.
Chandrababu Naidu gave his consent for releasing ₹61 crore for modernising various equipment in the police department. He underlined that police must be stern with regard to crimes against women. "Criminals should feel that if they touch a woman, it will be their last day in life," the AP CM observed.
Police officers informed the Chief Minister that not only did the previous government not release the state's share of 25 per cent for disaster management, it also diverted central funds.
Chandrababu Naidu described this as a crime. He directed officials to submit necessary reports as soon as any natural calamity hits the state, so that the centre can immediately release the necessary funds.
