New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, paid homage to the martyrs of the police forces on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi today. The solemn occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Tapan Kumar Deka, and senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
In his address, Amit Shah honored the sacrifices of police personnel who safeguard India’s borders and ensure the nation’s security, whether in extreme weather conditions or during crises. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Kutch to Kibithu, our police forces stand guard day and night, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” he said.
The Union Home Minister highlighted the significance of the central structure at the National Police Memorial, symbolizing the unwavering commitment, patriotism, and supreme sacrifice of the nation’s police forces. Recalling the events of October 21, 1959, when 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel sacrificed their lives while confronting the Chinese army, Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiative to establish the police memorial in the heart of Delhi. “This memorial will continue to inspire our youth and remind every citizen that the progress and safety we enjoy today are because of the sacrifices of thousands of brave soldiers,” he remarked, noting that 36,468 police personnel have laid down their lives in service to the nation.
In the past year alone, 216 police personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “The country will forever remain indebted to these brave souls,” Shah said, acknowledging the long-standing tradition of police personnel making sacrifices to uphold the security and unity of the nation.
The Home Minister also lauded the efforts of security forces in restoring peace in conflict-affected regions like Jammu & Kashmir, areas impacted by Left-wing extremism, and the Northeast, while cautioning against emerging threats such as drones, cybercrime, narcotics trade, and terrorism. “No matter how big the threats, they will not stand before the determination and resolve of our soldiers,” he stated confidently.
Looking ahead, Shah emphasized the role of police personnel in achieving Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a fully developed India by 2047. He highlighted the implementation of three new criminal laws aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and effectively across the country. “Once fully implemented, our criminal justice system will be among the most advanced in the world,” he said, noting that the new laws aim to deliver justice within three years in every case.
Shah also detailed several initiatives introduced by the Modi government for the welfare of police personnel, including the Ayushman CAPF scheme, which has distributed more than 41 lakh health cards and settled 13 lakh claims worth Rs. 1,422 crore. Housing satisfaction for police personnel has also been a priority, with 11,276 houses and 111 barracks constructed since 2015 under the CAPF housing scheme. Additionally, the CAPF e-Awas web portal has helped allocate vacant houses, while scholarships and reserved seats for dependents of CAPF personnel in medical courses have supported the education and well-being of their families.
The Home Minister further highlighted the contributions of CAPF personnel beyond security duties, including the plantation of nearly 5.8 crore saplings from 2019 to 2024 and efforts to promote government schemes in border districts through the Civic Action Programme.