Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on Police Training, Modernization and Reforms
Recently the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Police Training, Modernization and Reforms has been presented in the Parliament.
Key issues highlighted in the report:
- The Model Police Act, 2006, was enacted for police modernization. Even after 15 years of its enactment, only 17 states have either enacted laws on it or amended their existing laws accordingly.
- Cyber-crimes are increasing continuously. Despite this, many states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Goa, Assam etc. do not have a single cyber-crime cell.
- Many police stations in sensitive states like Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab do not have telephone or proper wireless connectivity.
- Shortage of police personnel (about 21 per cent), excessive stress and pressure, housing dissatisfaction, etc., are other problems.
Key recommendations of the committee
- The investigation of crimes should be kept separate from law and order. This will ensure accountability. Also, the police will get more autonomy in the investigation of crimes.
- There should be at least one police station in every district where all policemen are women. In addition, a roadmap should be prepared for 33 per cent representation of women in the police force (currently 10.3 per cent).
- Training/awareness programs should be organized on artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, forensics, ballistic science etc.
- Separate training module should be implemented to deal with crimes in tribal areas. Information about the state’s efforts on the process of police modernization should be made public. This will create a feeling of competition among other states and put pressure on the backward states in modernization.
Other Related Information
The Central Government has approved the continuation of the scheme of Modernization of Police Forces for five years till the year 2025-26.
The scheme has the following objectives:
- Adequately equip the State Police Forces with state-of-the-art technologies.
- Strengthening their training infrastructure.
- This will reduce the dependence of the State Governments on the Army and the Central Armed Police Forces to control the internal security and law and order situation.
Source – The Hindu
