CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Police Martyrs on Police Commemoration Day, Announces Eight Major Reforms

Recruitment for around 1,600 vacant police posts to begin soon; annual budget for police stations to double from ₹4 crore to ₹8 crore

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to police and paramilitary personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Police Commemoration Day programme held at the Police Lines in Dehradun on Wednesday. He also honoured the families of martyred police personnel and announced eight major initiatives aimed at strengthening the police department, modernising its operations and improving the welfare of police personnel.

The Chief Minister said police and paramilitary forces play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s internal security. Over the past year, 154 personnel across the country made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties, including Uttarakhand Police Sub-Inspector Late Vinod Kumar.

Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Dhami said the martyrs are a source of national pride. He added that the National Police Memorial in New Delhi stands as a symbol of the courage, sacrifice and dedication of police personnel.

Eight Major Announcements to Strengthen Uttarakhand Police

The Chief Minister announced eight key measures to improve police infrastructure, manpower, investigation capabilities and employee welfare.

These include initiating recruitment for approximately 1,600 vacant posts across various units of Uttarakhand Police and reviewing staffing requirements at police stations and outposts. Investigating officers will also be provided with modern investigation kits to strengthen the quality and efficiency of investigations.

The annual budget for essential activities at police stations will be increased from ₹4 crore to ₹8 crore. The government will also improve all police modern schools across the state, construct a transit hostel and multi-storey barracks for police personnel in Dehradun, and upgrade the police hospital in the city.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to providing better healthcare, accommodation and welfare facilities to police personnel and their families.

Police Personnel Welfare and Infrastructure Development

Dhami described the police uniform as a symbol of courage, discipline, dedication and service to the nation. He said police personnel frequently remain away from their families during festivals and special occasions to ensure public safety.

Their responsibilities become even more demanding in Uttarakhand because of its challenging geographical conditions and frequent natural disasters.

The Chief Minister emphasised that improving working conditions, housing, healthcare and mental well-being is essential to strengthening police performance. Cashless medical facilities are being provided to police personnel, and he called for regular stress-management programmes to support their mental well-being.

According to the Chief Minister, the police housing satisfaction rate has increased from 18 per cent to 22 per cent, with a target of reaching 30 per cent.

A total of 785 police personnel were promoted this year. Direct recruitment was completed for 1,573 constables in the civil police and 370 constables in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). The recruitment process for 222 posts of sub-inspectors, platoon commanders and second officers in the fire services has also been completed.

Appointments have been provided to 24 dependants of deceased police personnel. More than ₹58 crore has been released during the current financial year for works related to police stations, fire stations, barracks, mess facilities and other workplaces.

Focus on Combating Drug Trafficking and Cybercrime

The Chief Minister identified drug trafficking and cybercrime as two major challenges facing law enforcement agencies.

He said a three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been established in Uttarakhand to strengthen action against drug-related offences. Strict measures are being taken against drug traffickers as part of the state’s commitment to building a drug-free Uttarakhand.

With the growing use of the internet and artificial intelligence, Dhami stressed the need for modern technology, advanced training and better coordination among law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Construction of the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, at an estimated cost of around ₹32 crore, is underway.

To enhance women’s safety, Quick Response Teams have been constituted under the women’s help desks at every police station. The Chief Minister said technology-driven policing and prompt responses are essential to improving public safety.

Uttarakhand Police Praised for Char Dham and Kanwar Yatra Management

Dhami appreciated Uttarakhand Police for ensuring safe and smooth travel for approximately five crore Kanwar pilgrims this year and more than 60 lakh devotees visiting the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit so far.

He said managing such large gatherings requires effective law and order arrangements, traffic management and coordinated security measures.

This year, 319 police personnel were awarded various medals and insignia in recognition of their outstanding service. The nomination of Uttarakhand Police for the prestigious President’s Police Colours was also described as a matter of pride for the state.

Financial Assistance for Families of Police Martyrs

Director General of Police Deepam Seth said that 206 Uttarakhand Police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty since the formation of the state.

During the current year, approximately ₹50 lakh was provided to the dependent families of police martyrs through the Police Martyrs Fund. In addition, around ₹31 crore has been disbursed as ex-gratia assistance under the Police Salary Package to date.

A round-the-clock police help desk is being established at AIIMS Rishikesh. This year, financial assistance of ₹1.16 crore was provided to 25 personnel through the Life-Saving Fund, while scholarships worth ₹34 lakh were awarded to 446 meritorious children.

The programme was attended by Haridwar MP and former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Savita Kapoor, Dehradun District Panchayat Chairperson Sukhwinder Kaur, Rishikesh Mayor Shambhu Paswan, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Kusum Kandwal, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Chief Information Commissioner Radha Raturi, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, DGP Deepam Seth, former DGP Anil Raturi, Dehradun District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, senior police officials and other dignitaries.