The Chief Minister made the following announcements for the welfare of the Uttarakhand Police Force:
– A sum of Rs 100 crore will be allocated next year for the construction of residential buildings for police personnel.
– The nutrition allowance for police officers will be increased by Rs 100.
– The uniform allowance for officers from the rank of Inspector to Assistant Sub-Inspector will see an increase of Rs 3,500.
– The high-altitude allowance for police and SDRF personnel posted above 9,000 feet will be increased from Rs 200 per day to Rs 300 per day.
Dehradun: On the occasion of Police Martyrs’ Memorial in the Police Lines of Dehradun the Chief Minister said that the responsibility of maintaining internal security and law and order lies with the state police forces and paramilitary forces. In the past year, a total of 216 paramilitary personnel and police officers across various states sacrificed their lives, including four brave sons of Uttarakhand Police.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the National Police Memorial, established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a symbol of the unparalleled dedication and sacrifice of our police force. He commended the police for their resilience in facing challenges like terrorism, Naxalism, natural disasters, and law enforcement complexities in recent years.
He emphasized that Uttarakhand is geographically and strategically vital for the nation’s security, making the role of its police even more crucial in maintaining peace and order. He also acknowledged the police force’s efforts in tackling various challenges like drug abuse, cybercrime, crimes against women, traffic management, Char Dham pilgrimage, disasters, landslides, and the Kanwar Yatra.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the goal of making Uttarakhand drug-free by 2025. To achieve this, a three-tier Anti-Narcotics Force has been established under the Uttarakhand Police. This year alone, over 1,100 drug dealers have been apprehended, and narcotics worth ₹23 crore have been seized. He also recognized the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for the police to be more vigilant and technically proficient in this area. Furthermore, “Women Help Desks” with Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been set up at every police station to provide a safe environment for women in the state. The Uttarakhand Police has solved over 95% of crimes against women and children, taking action against more than 50% of the accused.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the construction of 380 residential units for police personnel at a cost of over Rs 150 crore to improve their living conditions. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Rs 42 crore has been allocated for the construction of five police stations, two police outposts, two fire stations, and administrative buildings for three police lines. The procurement of 1,105 police vehicles has been approved to enhance the police response time. Under the Police Salary Package, accident insurance ranging from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore has been provided for police personnel, with over Rs 15 crore disbursed to the families of deceased officers. Additionally, 162 new posts have been created for an SDRF company, and 327 posts have been sanctioned for the operation of six police stations and 21 outposts. Recruitment for 222 Sub-Inspector positions has been announced, and the recruitment process for 2,000 constables is underway. There will also be recruitment of talented athletes into the police force under the Uttarakhand Sports Policy.
Director General of Police, Abhinav Kumar, said that October 21 is a significant day for state police forces, the Central Armed Forces, and all central police organizations. On this day in 1959, a patrol of 10 brave soldiers from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by SI Karan Singh, fought valiantly against Chinese intruders in the Hot Springs area of Ladakh at an altitude of 16,000 feet, sacrificing their lives in defense of their motherland. This day is commemorated every year as Police Memorial Day across the country.
Since independence, approximately 35,000 police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Among them, four officers from Uttarakhand Police who sacrificed their lives are:
1. Additional Sub-Inspector Kanta Thapa, Uttarkashi district
2. Head Constable Ganesh Kumar, Uttarkashi district
3. Constable Ganesh Kumar, Udham Singh Nagar district
4. Constable Govind Singh Bhandari, Udham Singh Nagar district
The Chief Minister also stated that the police, as a uniformed force, must operate with discipline and face risks for public welfare. Sometimes, this duty requires the ultimate sacrifice. Police stations operate 24/7 throughout the year, handling complex situations like crimes, disasters, and internal security challenges.
The state government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has introduced numerous welfare schemes for police personnel and their families, including improved housing facilities and the construction of various administrative buildings with government-allocated funds. For the first time since the state’s formation, 1,105 vehicles have been earmarked, with 223 vehicles already procured for Rs 29 crore and another 127 vehicles in the process of being purchased for Rs 25 crore.
On this occasion former Maharashtra Governor, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Chief Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Cabinet ministers Dhan Singh Rawat and Ganesh Joshi, MLAs Vinod Chamoli, Munna Singh Chauhan, and Savita Kapoor, District Panchayat Chairperson Madhu Chauhan, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, and several senior police officers were also present there.
